Community groups and activities in Mid & West Cornwall

Staying connected matters at every age. Whether you’re looking for something for yourself or for someone you love, this guide from our Truro team shares where to find social groups, activities and friendly company across Mid & West Cornwall, and how a little support can make it easier to get there.

What’s on for older people in Mid & West Cornwall?

The village hall coffee morning. The choir that’s been going for thirty years. The Tuesday lunch club where everyone sits in the same seats.

Groups vary from town to town, but most areas, from Truro and Falmouth to Penzance, St Austell, Camborne and Redruth, have some version of:

• Coffee mornings, lunch clubs and informal get-togethers
• Hobby and interest groups, such as crafts, music, cards and gardening
• Gentle exercise and wellbeing sessions
• Church and faith groups
• Seasonal events and community meet-ups

How do I find local groups and activities in Cornwall?

These are good places to start looking.

Cornwall Link is a free online directory, run by Age UK Cornwall, where you can search for groups, activities and services by town or village.

Kernow Directory, from Cornwall Council, lists local groups, activities and day opportunities across the county.

Your local library often hosts book groups and friendly sessions. Truro and Penzance libraries both run regular book groups.

u3a groups bring together people who are retired or semi-retired to share interests, from walking and history to languages and music. There are local u3a groups across Cornwall, including in the Falmouth and Truro area and in St Austell.

Groups and services that help people stay connected

Age UK Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly runs social clubs, activities and befriending for older people across the county. Call 01872 266383 to find out what’s near you.

Befriending can be a gentle first step if going out feels like too much right now. Age UK Cornwall offers befriending visits and telephone befriending. In Falmouth, Penryn and the surrounding villages, the Falmouth Befriending Service arranges a weekly visit from a friendly volunteer. Call 01326 313620.

MHA Communities Cornwall offers friendship groups, outings and befriending for older people, with friendship groups in Camborne and Probus.

Memory cafés are relaxed, friendly places for people living with memory loss and the people who come with them. There’s no pressure to talk about anything in particular. The Cornwall Memory Cafe Network lists cafés across the county.

What if getting there is the hard part?

Often it isn’t the activity that’s the obstacle, it’s everything around it. Getting ready in time. The walk to the car. Not being sure whether you’ll know anyone when you get there.

If transport is the problem, there’s help. Volunteer Cornwall runs a community transport scheme with volunteer drivers across the county, on 01872 265300. Age UK Cornwall’s transport service can also help people get to appointments and activities, on 01872 223388.

How can a care assistant help?

A care assistant can help with:

• Getting ready and out of the door
• Travel to and from the group
• A bit of encouragement on the days when it feels like an effort
• Company at home when going out is too much

And connection doesn’t always mean going out. Sometimes it’s the familiar face who calls in on a Thursday, the same routine each week, and a proper conversation over a cup of tea. That counts too. You can read more about our companionship care.

Questions families often ask

How can I help my mum or dad feel less lonely?

Start small. A weekly phone call from a befriender, a lunch club with a lift there and back, or a regular visit from someone familiar can all make a difference. Ask what they used to enjoy. There’s often a local group that fits.

Are there lunch clubs for older people near me?

Many towns and villages across Cornwall have lunch clubs, often run by churches, community centres or volunteers. Cornwall Link and Kernow Directory are the easiest places to search, or call Age UK Cornwall on 01872 266383.

What if someone doesn’t want to go to a group?

That’s very common, and it’s fine. Befriending visits, telephone befriending or a regular visit from a care assistant can offer company at home, at a pace that feels comfortable.

Not sure where to start?

We support people across St Austell, Truro, Newquay, Falmouth, Penzance, St Ives, The Lizard, Land’s End, Camborne, Redruth, Hayle, Helston and the villages in between. If you’d like to talk through what’s available near you, or how a care assistant could help someone keep going to the things they enjoy, our team in Truro is happy to have a chat, with no pressure. Call us on 01872 276006 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm), email cornwallmid@bluebirdcare.co.uk, or get in touch online.

For more local helplines, groups and advice, you might also find our guide to support for older people in Cornwall helpful.

It’s good to be home.