Listening Room

Email: InTouch@ageukherts.org.uk
Telephone: 01992 642356

A friendly place to talk, listen and feel heard

Sometimes, it helps to have a space where you can talk openly about how you’re feeling and know that someone is listening.

Changes in later life, such as bereavement or changes to our health, can affect our confidence and emotional wellbeing. You may be feeling lonely, worried about the future or simply missing the chance to talk with others.

Age UK Hertfordshire’s Listening Room offers a safe, welcoming space to share what’s on your mind and meet other people who may have similar experiences.

An online wellbeing group for older people in Hertfordshire

The Listening Room brings older people together in a small online group to talk about how they’re feeling and explore ways to cope with difficult times.

Run by Age UK Hertfordshire’s InTouch Listening Support team, sessions take place monthly on Zoom. You’re welcome to share your experiences or simply listen. There’s no pressure to speak and no commitment to attend regularly.

Who is it for?

The Listening Room could help if you’re finding things difficult or would welcome support with your emotional wellbeing.

You may be adjusting to a bereavement or changes in your health. Perhaps you’re feeling lonely, worried about the future or struggling with everyday life.

The group gives you an opportunity to meet other people who may have similar experiences and talk about what helps you cope. You do not need to have used any of our services before.

What happens in a session?

Our InTouch Listening Support team guides the conversation and gives everyone the opportunity to take part.

We discuss things that can affect our wellbeing, such as coping with loss or managing worry. We explore practical ways to handle difficult feelings and look after ourselves during challenging times.

You can share what’s on your mind, talk about something that has helped you, or listen to other people’s experiences. You choose how much you want to share.

Sessions take place monthly through Zoom, which lets us meet as a group using a tablet or computer. You can join from home, and we can help you get set up beforehand.

You’re welcome to try a session and see whether it feels right for you.

Need help getting online?

You do not need to be confident with technology to join.

If you do not have a suitable device, we can arrange one for you to borrow. Our Digital Champions are volunteers who can help you learn to use it and show you how to join a Zoom session.

There’s time to ask questions and practise at your own pace. If you do not have internet access, please let us know so we can discuss the support you need.

Contact us before your first session and we’ll help you get started.

How to join

You can contact us directly or complete our online self-referral form to tell us you’re interested. Our team will talk with you about the Listening Room, explain how to join and let you know when the next session is taking place.

Would you prefer one-to-one support?

InTouch is Age UK Hertfordshire’s telephone listening support service for older people.

It offers a series of one-to-one calls with a member of our team, giving you time to talk about what’s troubling you and how you’re feeling. We listen without judging and help you explore ways to cope with difficult times.

You can ask about InTouch if you need additional support alongside the Listening Room, or if a group does not feel right for you. You do not have to join the Listening Room to receive InTouch support. To find out more, call 01992 642356 or email InTouch@ageukherts.org.uk.

Could you volunteer as a Digital Champion?

If you’re comfortable using a tablet or computer and can explain things patiently, you could help someone else get online.

Our Digital Champions help older people learn to use their devices and build confidence joining the Listening Room. This might mean showing someone how to join a Zoom call or helping them practise using their camera and microphone.

To find out about volunteering, contact us on 01992 642356 or email listeningroom@ageukherts.org.uk.