retired

[homerbart]

I have been retired for 4 years now and am now finding all day boring.

I dont enjoy some painfree days as I have fibromyalgia but can anybody advise as to what I could to fill my days as they were so full when I was working.

I applied for voluntary forms but because I am on benefits the wording of the forms looks like I could lose the benefits.

With the MRSA and C-diff I would be loathed to work in a hospital.

Apart from that anybody any ideas - thanks in advance.

[cockroach]

Go to the local church/church hall... they usually have organised weekly events on. Look out for a christian run shop or cafe they are usually looking for voulentry help. Church can point you in the right direction & you dont have to be religeous or of that ordain.

[Whoever]

I don't know where you live, but check if there's a branch of U3A University of the Third Age) in your area. It's a nationwide organisation for retired people which allows them to get together and share their knowledge in their specific interests. They normally have a General Meeting with a guest speaker once a month, with all the sub groups meeting in members houses or church halls on a monthly basis. The one I belong to has lots of different groups. such as Ornithology, Bridge, Italian, History Lovers, Gardening, Science, Antiques, French, Walking, Current Affairs, Music, Computer Users, Digital Photography, Painting, Opera, etc. If you Google U3A, the website will probably help you find your nearest branch.
The National Trust (if you're a member) also have local groups which meet regularly to arrange outings, etc.
Also look on the notice board of your local library. It will often have details of local organisations you can join, or those who are looking for volunteers.
If you enjoy reading, your library may also run a Book Club where members join together once a month to read a specific book and discuss it together. Your library will probably have details of Adult Education Classes available in your area and if you are on benefits you may be able to attend these free, or at reduced rates.
Could you set up a Neighbourhood Watch group in your street? That might help neighbours get together and help you make new social friends.
And as another person has suggested, your local church is a good place to try and find out about local activities and perhaps make new friends.

[Whoever]

The U3A link, if you're interested in investigating further, is
http://www.u3a.org.uk/index.php?option=com_fro ntpage&Itemid=1
It will tell you how to find if there is a local group operating in your area.

[shylock73]

ITV have a advert asking if anyone could read books to the blind, I`m sure that would be a great help to those even worse off than most. I expect someone on here can provide the websight for you.

[Hellyon]

You could contact your local primary schools as many of them are very grateful for volunteers to go in and help, particularly listening to children read. You'd have to be CRB checked but they'll do that for you.

[Lil O'lady]

Depends on what floats your baot, but local history organisations, museums, english heritage, national trust and historic charities etc all rely on volunteers

[homerbart]

thanks for your answers everybody - will look some of them up. bye for now