BME Suffolk launches support group for over 60s in Ipswich

Funmi Akinriboya founded BME Suffolk in 2018

An over 60s support group has been launched in Ipswich to help combat loneliness in older people.

Friendship Fridays for Elders was created by Black Minority Ethnics (BME) Suffolk and will run each fortnight at Coachman's Court in Ipswich.

The free group will provide attendees with lunch, games and companionship.

Founder Funmi Akinriboya said: "The idea is to address social isolation, for them to build on networking and friendship."

BME Suffolk was set up in 2018 and has three branches across the county, in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Mildenhall.

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"Even though we have a monthly gathering, there is no specific group for the elders for them to be able to be with the same age group and do something in common," said Ms Akinriboya.

"There'll be games and we will include different activities, like yoga, Pilates, a little bit of physical exercise and whatever else they want to do."

Ms Akinriboya started the organisation to provide practical support to marginalised families and help individuals achieve social integration.

Oscar was one of the first attendees at Friendship Fridays

Oscar, who attends BME's monthly gatherings, attended the first Friendship Friday.

"I'm retired, I live alone. It's always nice to come to a place where there's lots of people and where you're welcome, so I'm very happy to be here," he said.

Oscar said the group will allow men in particular to speak about any problems they may be experiencing.

"Men are not good at networking, so they end up being lonely," he continued.

"A group like this gives people a chance to bring out their problems that they may not want to even share with their family, but in a group dynamic where everybody's having the same problems, they will share it easily."