new to this kind of thing

So very very sorry, but this thread does not quite ring true.
Has this been started because of press reports stating that " loneliness " is worse for old people than smoking??
Sorry again, but the post does not sound sincere.

specialmo Hello - you only posted today so just wait a wee bit and I am sure that more people will appear with ideas. I don't live near you either but as is often said, use this place as there is almost always someone on to chat to. You have told us your real name which is lovely but wait another wee while, perhaps until you can PM (private message button at end of a person's purple bar with their name on) before you give out any more personal details just to be safe - all the world can see this bit. I think you will enjoy GN and soon get the idea. Love to you and hope to read more from you soon.

Hello Specialmo like you i live alone and sometimes feel a bit down and have only recently joined gransnet I enjoy reading all the messages and have got answers to problems, lots of kind souls on here,when your feeling down have a look at the This Made me Laugh Forum does it for me.keep your chin up at least we have summer to look forward to

Hello there.
I lived in Hadleigh as a child - just up the road from Canvey Island. We used to cycle there in the summer. It is a small community and that made me wonder if there is much going on there and that this might contribute to feeling isolated.

Do you have any special interests that might be the start of making new friendships?

There is a branch of the U3A in Benfleet which is just around the corner from you - contact is 01268 793925. If you are not familiar with it, U3A stands for University of the Third Age - and it is not a stuffy academic organisation, but is designed to encourage interests and activities for people in their "third age" - i.e. us lot! Locally here they have singing groups, bridge clubs, outings, - well, just about anything anyone might be interested in is catered for. This is the link to their website: http://www.u3a.org.uk/home.html. It might be a chance to start a new interest maybe.

Also the WEA (Workers' Education Association) has courses and outings - your local contact is: [email protected]. The WEA was originally what it said on the tin, but nowadays is more aimed at retired people in the main.

I belong to a poetry group, a book club, a singing group etc. etc. Why don't you put a notice in the local shop and see if anyone would like to come to your place and start a book club? That way you would not need to walk or drive.

Do you have a parish mag for the island? - these are often full of things that are going on.

Lots of good luck!

Specialmo - I hope you find some of what you're looking for here on Gn. It doesn't take the place of personal contact, but for me fills a little space that needs filling sometimes.
Hope you find someone to meet up with.

I don't know whether you would have to pay, but wouldn't you find walking easier with a proper wheeled walker? You can get them with basket attached. I do not live in your area, but hope you make contact with someone in the same position. I live alone but am content with little outside contact, dread the thought of becoming 'needy' and being a nuisance! Take care Janet

hope you find what you need here and elsewhere, specialmo.

Welcome Specialmo, sorry you are feeling so alone. Please keep coming on Gransnet as we are a friendly bunch who love to chat on lots of different topics.
Even if you don't find anyone close to home, I'm sure you won't feel as lonely.

Thanks for your kind replies, my bottom has gone to sleep now so I must get up and make a coffee and return to the computer later on to see if any one nearer has replied, but many thanks to you who got in touch, and lets hope things improve, bye for now

Welcome, Janet. I live a long way from you, in Devon, but hope you enjoy chatting on these forums and find some companionship from the rest of us.

Janet, so sorry you are going through all this. I sincerely hope you will find new friends to meet up with on Gransnet. I live in the Swiss Jura mountains, so far too far for us to meet - but the very best of luck.