Older people

Local groups and services for older people in Withington and across Manchester.

Groups and company

Withington Assist

Withington Assist is a local charity for people aged 65 and over, based at Withington Methodist Church, 439 Wilmslow Road. It runs a lunch club, exercise classes, a coffee group, a walking group, help with phones and computers, and befriending. Call 0161 434 9216.

Befriending and someone to talk to

• Cyril Flint Befrienders match volunteers with older people who would like company: call 0161 942 9465
• The Silver Line, run by Age UK, is a free helpline for people over 55, open 24 hours a day: call 0800 470 80 90
• Age UK Manchester gives free advice on care, housing, scams and benefits: call 0161 833 3944

Comfortable Community Scheme

Shops, cafés and community spaces in Withington with a Comfortable Community sticker in the window offer one or more of: a toilet, a seat, a glass of water, baby changing, or a private space to breastfeed. The scheme is for older people, people with hidden disabilities, pregnant people and parents of young children. Find out more about the scheme (opens the Manchester Local Care Organisation website).

Dementia

If you are worried about your memory, or someone else's, make an appointment with us.

• Alzheimer's Society's Sahara service (opens the Alzheimer's Society website) supports South Asian people living with dementia and their families in Greater Manchester
• Manchester Camerata's Music in Mind runs free music cafés across Greater Manchester for people living with dementia and their carers. Find a music café (opens the Music in Mind website)
• Dementia on the NHS website (opens the NHS website), including help and support for carers

Hearing aids

If you have an NHS hearing aid from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, you can get new batteries and tubing by post, or book an appointment for repairs at Withington Community Hospital. The drop-in service is suspended. Call audiology on 0161 217 3150 or email [email protected].

Getting about

• Hospital transport: if your health or mobility makes it hard to get to a hospital appointment, you may be able to use the NHS Patient Transport Service. To book for a first appointment, call 0800 0323 240. Your clinic usually books follow-up appointments. Find out more about patient transport (opens the North West Ambulance Service website).
• Apply for a Blue Badge (opens the GOV.UK website)
• Renew your driving licence at 70 or over (opens the GOV.UK website)