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Age UK Norfolk Launches “Together This Summer” Campaign to Help Older People Feel Connected

Published on 01 June 2026 10:12 AM

This June, Age UK Norfolk is launching Together This Summer — a new campaign celebrating friendship, connection, and community for older people across Norfolk.

The campaign shines a light on the importance of social connection during the summer months, when many older people can experience increased loneliness and isolation. While summer is often seen as a sociable and positive time of year, for some older people it can feel particularly difficult, especially if families are away, regular routines change, or community activities pause during the holiday season.

Launching during Volunteers’ Week, Together This Summer will also celebrate the incredible contribution of volunteers, community groups, and supporters who help older people across Norfolk feel connected, valued, and supported every day.

Helping Older People Stay Connected

Through the campaign, Age UK Norfolk will be sharing stories of friendship, highlighting local services and activities, and encouraging people across the county to take small actions that can make a big difference — whether that’s volunteering, donating, attending a local activity, or simply checking in on an older neighbour, friend, or relative.

“Loneliness can affect people at any time of year, but summer can be especially difficult for older people whose usual routines or social contact change. Together This Summer is about celebrating the power of connection and reminding people that even small acts of kindness and friendship can have a huge impact.”

- Jo Asbury, Head of Community and Wellbeing at Age UK Norfolk.

Celebrating Volunteers During Volunteers’ Week

As the campaign launches during Volunteers’ Week, Together This Summer will also recognise the dedication and compassion of the charity’s volunteers who support older people across Norfolk through advice, advocacy and companionship.

Volunteers play a vital role in helping older people stay socially connected and independent, often building meaningful friendships that last for years.

Anne Embry, a Telephone Befriending volunteer with Age UK Norfolk since 2021, says, “I think I enjoy the calls as much as any service user. I have laughed with so many wonderful people. Shared their thoughts and hopes and histories. My life is richer for contact with these wonderful people who have so much life experience to share.”

Real Stories of Friendship and Connection

Throughout the summer, the campaign will share real stories from older people, volunteers, and local communities to highlight the positive impact that friendship and connection can have.

Liz’s Story (Age 88)

Liz lives alone with her dog and enjoys the face-to-face contact Age UK Norfolk’s Gift of Friendship service provides. Working on jigsaw puzzles with her volunteer helped boost her motivation and confidence, giving her a real sense of achievement.

After a fall in November, Liz found it helpful to talk things through with someone impartial, which helped rebuild her confidence to go out again with her daughter and dog.

Liz said: “I feel better about myself now and more motivated. I feel that my confidence has improved significantly, and I feel more optimistic about the future.” Liz is now looking forward to using the charity’s Travel Companion scheme to build confidence to visit her daughter in Norwich independently by bus.

How You Can Get Involved

There are lots of ways local people can support Together This Summer, including:

  • Volunteering to support older people
  • Donating to help befriending and social support services
  • Attending or supporting community activities
  • Sharing campaign messages online (join us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn)
  • Checking in on an older neighbour, friend, or family member

Sometimes, even a small conversation or act of kindness can help someone feel remembered, included, and valued.

Find Out More

Join our e-newsletter to follow the campaign throughout the summer as we celebrate the friendships, volunteers, and communities helping older people across Norfolk feel connected and supported.

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