Community Connecting returns

Community Connecting is back – join us!

As we find ourselves in the ‘new normal’, we are pleased to announce that our Community Connecting service is back. This service aims to reduce loneliness and social isolation in older people across Scotland by connecting them to organisations that offer friendship, social activities, health and fitness groups and events. Anyone aged 50 and over can call our free helpline for information on groups and activities in their local area. We are also recruiting volunteers to help support the service. If you or anyone you know has a passion for tackling loneliness and making a difference, please get in touch as we would love to hear from you! Our community researchers support the service by researching opportunities and help keep our database and information sources up to date. Community connectors support older people over the phone by finding out their interests, providing them with local social opportunities and calls of encouragement over a few weeks. If you’re part of an organisation and would like us to refer potential new members to your group or service, please get in touch!

You can find out more about our Community Connecting service by calling our helpline on 0800 12 44 222 or emailing: helpline@agescotland.org.uk

Ace tennis coach at 82

At 82 years old, Eric Flack is a passionate and dedicated tennis coach who loves to support people of all ages in learning and playing tennis.

Eric Flack has been coaching tennis for more than 50 years

The Drumchapel Tennis Club has been a part of Eric’s family’s life for generations. His grandfather, father, and now his grandchildren have enjoyed playing on the well-kept courts near the Drumchapel railway station. Eric began in an organising role in the 1970s and has been proactively supporting the club for more than fifty years. While no stranger to health challenges - two hip replacements and a heart attack - Eric continues to play tennis when he can. However, he explained that he has adapted his playing style to reflect the doctor’s orders, making sure he takes opportunities to rest when he needs to. The Drumchapel Tennis Club serves a variety of people in the community. Eric explained that their oldest club member is around 85-years-old, with their youngest being 4-years- old. Eric is still involved in a coaching capacity, offering his coaching skills to anyone who needs them. His advice to anyone who has never played before? “Just turn up and we will give them a racquet” he laughs.