Annette was so isolated during Covid that she broke down in tears during the first home visit from her hairdresser.

“When she started to do my hair, she was so gentle I couldn’t help it, I just had to cry,” said 77-year-old Annette. “It was my first real contact with anyone for something like two years and it had been such a struggle. I can’t describe the relief I felt from that human touch.”

Annette, who lives alone, is now a regular at the Re-engage activity group in Garrets Green, Birmingham, where she takes part in carpet curling and other gentle games.

“It’s nice exercise and a bit of fun. We all have a chat and the volunteers are always very helpful. I’m a very sociable person so being isolated during the pandemic was terribly difficult,” continued Annette.

“It’s very hard to make friends when you’re on your own. You’re not quite sure who to trust. So going to the activity group is hugely important to me. Just meeting people has a positive impact.”

Annette was with partner Clive for 24 years until he died in 1996. They had no children and niece Emily, who lives in Leeds will soon be emigrating to Australia.

“I hardly go out,” said Annette, who worked as a secretary for legal companies as well as the former Central Electricity Generating Board. “So, the activity group really is something to look forward to.”

Group coordinator, Adam Larkin, said: “This is the first time we’ve had an activity group in this area for those aged 75 and over and we can see there is a need. Annette gets a great deal from it as she loves to chat to everyone.

“We’re currently meeting once a month but it would be good to get a few more people along and get together more frequently.”

If you live in the Garrets Green area of Birmingham, are aged 75 and over, and would like to take part in our gentle activity groups, please call 0800 716 543 or look at our website for more information.