Life can be lonely – but with Manchester Cares I can stay connected

Please note: this post is 80 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

My name is Tony and I first heard about Manchester Cares when they visited our group – Out In The City (a social and support group for LGBT people over 50) – and invited us to get involved in their new community network. I went to see the film ‘Imitation Game’ at the MadLab in the Northern Quarter in January and I haven’t looked back since.

Over those six months I’ve enjoyed more film nights, a theatre trip, Desert Island Discs nights, board games evenings, a lunchtime classical music concert, creative writing, pub quizzes, music club, jewellery making, gardening group, technology club and yoga – all with young Mancunians who want to feel more connected to their city.

I’ve missed some events due to other commitments but the programme of activities offered is wide ranging: there’s something of interest to everyone. You can even try new things outside your “comfort zone”. I particularly was surprised when we wrote a song (with a lot of help) at the Manchester Camerata music club and when I made a piece of artwork at the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art, that I'll hang on the wall.

My friend Phillip died suddenly and unexpectedly seven years ago as a result of cancer. We had lived together for 31 years and he was only 54 years old. I was ostracised by my family, so life can sometimes be lonely. Since I retired, I have done some volunteering work, but being involved with Manchester Cares has also helped me. I now get out more and socialise more, with new people. I think it’s important to remain active both physically and mentally and everybody I’ve met has been friendly and supportive. So I would recommend getting involved.

On a final note, although I live in south Manchester, I’ve discovered that the 181 bus takes you on a tour of Manchester Cares’ activities – to the Miners’ Community Arts & Music Centre, past St George’s Community Centre, past Victoria Square and finally past the Koffee Pot!

I hope I’ll get to meet some more great people soon at one of Manchester Cares’ fab gatherings over the summer months.