feeling very lonely how does anyone else cope

Hi, I'm sorry you are feeling down. I think a mobility scooter sounds great (fresh air and a change of scenery would be so beneficial for you) but don't know where you can get hold of one. Maybe a stockist can deliver and show you how to get going. I see several people with them in my neighbourhood and their dogs run/walk alongside. In my part of the world ( Canada) public transit by bus is very good and people can drive their mobility scooter on to the bus because the driver operates a ramp. I don't if UK buses have this service but another GN might know.
How about asking your vicar to put you in touch with someone who can drive you to'n'fro Church? Perhaps he knows someone who can do that and drop in for a cuppa too.
Good luck and I hope things get better for you

Hi Poppysmum,
It is good that you have reached out for support and I hope that the above suggestions help.
I follow a number of groups on Facebook and some of the local Facebook groups have social gatherings nearby.
Also, my local library sometimes hosts knit and natter meetings etc
Sending best wishes 💐

PS our mad old Cocker Spaniel is called Poppy

Hi Poppysmum

I too adore dgs, and I’m also more than happy to pass the time with you via email or private messaging on here.

Please believe me, things will get better in time.

In the meantime, please google and see if there’s anything you might fancy doing from home, like a free study course or perhaps joining an online forum.

I wish you the very best

Is your dog Poppy?
I had a little rescue dog.
They're great company aren't they?
I hope you make some friends soon.

Sorry just realised you said there's a 6 month waiting list. I hope you put your name down.

Poppysmum, Have you thought about contacting Citizens advice ? I did a quick google and it seems they could point you in the right direction.I will try to paste and copy what google said :

Citizens Advice is not a dedicated loneliness helpline or mental health service, but they can help connect you with local support and tackle underlying issues that cause isolation.How Citizens Advice HelpsSignposting: Advisers can direct you to local community groups, clubs, and specialized charities in your area.Practical Support: They help resolve root causes of stress and isolation, such as debt, housing problems, or unemployment.A Listening Ear: Staff and volunteers offer a non-judgmental, empathetic space when you reach out online or in person

Hopefully your support worker will be back next week. The phone buddy idea from Rocketstop is a possibility too..

I wonder how you would feel about asking age uk if YOU could train to be a phone buddy.That way you would get to befriend others in the same boat as you ?

Its very annoying and unprofessional for the support worker to not keep her word.

It's very tricky this " meeting people " thing.....what sort of area is it? A village?
How do you know the neighbours aren't friendly?

no shops round here a lot of people are saying about mobility scooters but i have never driven and they terrify me lots of downhills here!

sadly neighbours do not seem to want to be friends. i did ring the GP all they came up with was the local crisis in case my suicidal thoughts continued. i do have contact with the police and woman's aid to do with the ongoing case i think i am feeling very upset as the support worker was really good but this week despite having serious problems she seems to have turned her back on me.
local Age UK has the phone befriender service but it does have about a 6 month waiting list.
i do think about church i am very religious enjoy services i have never asked at the local church if there is anyone around or i was thinking sometimes the Vicar does call to see people at home.
there does not seem to be anyone who does the library at home service here which would be nice
i would love someone to come and have a cuppa and a chat i am very happy on my laptop always be happy to do emails i do struggle to walk up the road my dog a rescue is happy pottering round here but is not really a fan of leads. with my stick i really still cannot get far
i have just had a bad week i have problems i was looking forward to getting advice about but have been let down

I've been trying to think poppysmum....and you may have done them already. Could you contact your GP? I have heard they can do some social prescribing or befriending contacts. Age UK could help with a befriending service. You might have to pay but I think they can arrange for a befriended to come round to have a cuppa and a chat. Also social group with transport. If there is a local library, they can be helpful in signposting you. Do you have neighbours you could ask about anything going on which you might like. Don't give up...there will be something for you to look forward to doing.

poppysmum

as people may remember i have left an abusive relationship. i am very settled in my bungalow getting it how i want but it is a mile from town. i am mainly housebound and do have mental health problems, the transport is community transport or taxis which can be quite expensive, there is not much to go to anyway at the moment i am in a lot of pain with my hip so am sofa bound.
anyway i have contacted Age UK i am on list for the telephone buddy but there is a long waiting list. i am feeling a bit down today i had a support worker who has been helping me she said email anytime but this week did not answer and did not turn up today she said she was busy i have had some outstanding problems this week i was looking forward to her helping me sort, i can not even contact my police officer in charge of the case
sorry i am waffling but i was here asking what the heck i can do to make friends i know people say do not come to you i understand that but my family have shut me out and i have no friends so it would be nice to have someone email or text or ring or even better come for a cuppa and chat, just to say i am alive, there is weekends coming up. i do get really down at the weekends and do get terrible thoughts often at times its only the dog that stops me
sorry for the waffle

Oh poppysmum, I do feel for you. After my divorce I phoned the Samaritans one Saturday night and said I didn’t want to take up their time but just needed to hear someone’s voice so I understand how you feel. I must admit that these days I’m quite happy chatting on the internet to people about tv, films etc and I’m on a couple of sports forums. I do regard my internet chums as proper friends. If you want to talk about your dog pm me; I can chat about dogs all day ( or night). x

Would you be able to manage a mobility scooter? This would enable you to travel to the town where presumably there are coffee shops or opportunities to meet others.

You don’t have to be religious but you could try your local church. Often they organise community coffee mornings and transport to get there.

It's not easy for sure. Weekends are strange things , along with bank holidays.

Mmmm where to start? Are you able to get out with your little dog? Is there a local shop or Church?