No One Should Feel Forgotten: Rugby's Community Support Network
A comprehensive guide to connection and support in Rugby for Loneliness Awareness Week.
This week is Loneliness Awareness Week (9–15 June), and I want to speak directly to something that touches the lives of many people here in Rugby – often silently.
Loneliness can affect anyone: a young person out of education or work, a new parent feeling overwhelmed, or an older neighbour who has lost someone they loved. The important thing to remember is that you're not alone, and Rugby is full of opportunities to connect.
That's why we've put together a comprehensive list of organisations and community activities in Rugby that offer connection, support and friendship – from walking groups and community cafés to phone companionship and volunteering opportunities.
Online Support
Nextdoor – Connect with your neighbours
A free, private online network that helps you connect with neighbours, share local news, get recommendations, and join community events.
Website: www.nextdoor.co.uk
Booking: Sign-up required; free to join and use.
Frindow – Social networking to combat loneliness
Available 24/7 across the UK. A free-to-join online platform dedicated to helping individuals overcome loneliness by connecting them with others who share similar interests and life circumstances.
Organiser: Frindow Ltd., founded by Marcus Hamilton
Website: www.frindow.com
Booking: Registration is free with optional paid features.
Over 50s Speed dating options in the UK
A variety of speed dating events tailored for the over 50s, offering opportunities to meet like-minded individuals in a relaxed setting.
Website: www.silversurfers.com
Meetup.com – Find local social groups
Online platform to discover local groups and events based on your interests – from walks and coffee meetups to hobbies and support circles.
Website: www.meetup.com (enter your location to get started)
Booking: Free to join.
SearchOut Warwickshire - Find and access organisations, services and events that are local to you
A community directory with hundreds of entries.
Website: searchout.warwickshire.gov.uk
Postal Support
Silver Letters – The Silver Line
A free, confidential pen-pal style service connecting older people with a friendly Silver Line volunteer through letters. Ideal for those who are hearing impaired, housebound, or who simply prefer the written word.
Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk/what-we-do
Postage: Completely free for both parties – letters are sent via a secure mail centre.
Phone Support (24/7 & Scheduled)
The Silver Line
When: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Phone: 0800 470 8090
Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk
A free, confidential helpline offering information, friendship, and advice to older people.
Samaritans – Free Listening Support
When: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Phone: 116 123 (call free)
Website: www.samaritans.org
Confidential, non-judgmental listening service for anyone in emotional distress.
The Age UK Advice Line
When: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Phone: 0800 678 1602
Website: www.ageuk.org.uk
Free advice and information on health, care, benefits, housing, and more for older people.
Independent Age
Phone: 0800 319 6789
Website: www.independentage.org
Free, volunteer-led service offering regular phone calls to older individuals.
Dementia Connect – Alzheimer's Society (Rugby)
When: 7 days a week, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Phone: 0333 150 3456
Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect
Personalised advice, emotional support, and practical help for people living with dementia and their carers.
The National Careline
When: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Phone: 0800 0699 784
Website: www.thenationalcareline.org
Free, confidential helpline offering information on care options, legal matters, funding care and benefits.
Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly)
Phone: 0800 716543
Website: www.reengage.org.uk
Services for people aged 75 and over including Call Companions (regular phone calls), Tea Parties (monthly gatherings), and Rainbow Call Companions (for older LGBT+ individuals).
Omega Chatterbox
When: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: 01743 245 088
Email: chatterbox@omega.uk.net
Website: www.omega.uk.net/chatterbox
Free weekly phone calls from trained, DBS-checked volunteers.
Mind – National Mental Health Charity
When: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (except bank holidays)
Phone: 0300 123 3393
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Confidential information and support for mental health problems.
Community Cafés & Social Groups
Café Connect
When: 1st Wednesday of the month, 7:30pm
Where: Bacco Lounge, Rugby
What: Informal gathering with complimentary first drink
Contact: welcometochurch@rugbyclc.com
Christ Church Drop-in Café, Brownsover
When: Every Monday (term time), 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: BF Lunch Club Helvellyn Way RUGBY, CV21 1QG
Contact: 01788 561444
Board games, food, and positive social atmosphere.
Foodbank Friends
When: Every Wednesday, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Where: Rugby Foodbank Lawn & Retreat (next to Benn Hall), Newbold Road, Rugby, CV21 2LN
Small, welcoming group for Foodbank users. Usually drop-in.
The Hub and Hub Café
When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm
Where: Rugby Methodist Church Centre, Russelsheim Way, Rugby, CV22 7TB
Community café with drinks, snacks, and cakes. No booking required.
Saturday Morning Coffee
When: Every Saturday morning, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Paddox Methodist Church, Dunsmore Avenue, Rugby, CV22 5HD
Casual, friendly gathering. Usually drop-in.
Chatty Café Scheme – Anya Court Care Home
When: Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Anya Court Care Home, 286 Dunchurch Road, Rugby CV22 6JA
Designated "Chatter & Natter" table. No booking required.
Community Café – The Chapel, Newbold
When: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
Where: The Chapel, Main Street, Newbold, Rugby, CV21 1HH
Hot meals at reasonable price. No booking required.
Rugby School Sports Centre - Monthly Coffee Morning
When: First Monday of every month, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Where: Rugby School Sports Centre
Complimentary treats provided. No booking required.
Coffee Morning – Citizens Advice drop-in support
When: Monday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Monday: Boughton Leigh Children and Family Centre, Wetherell Way, Rugby, CV21 1LT / Wednesday: Brownsover Community Centre, Bow Fell, Rugby, CV21 1JF
Contact: Michelle Gravatt – 07775 220 821
Coffee Mornings – Hillmorton
When: Last Saturday of each month, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Where: Rogers Hall, Deerings Road, Hillmorton, Rugby, CV21 4EN
No booking required.
Community Meals & Lunch Clubs
Tuesday Luncheon Club
When: Every Tuesday at 12:30 PM (Temporarily paused March–early April 2025 for kitchen renovations)
Where: John Lees Hall, Rugby Baptist Church, Regent Place, Rugby CV21 2PJ
Contact: 01788 570410
Website: www.rugbybaptist.org.uk
Hearty 2-course meal. No booking required.
Rogers Hall – Thursday Hillmorton Hub
When: Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Rogers Hall, Deerings Road, Hillmorton, Rugby, CV21 4EN
Hot drinks, benefit support, and basic IT help. No booking required.
Salvation Army Lunch Club / Over 60s Club
When: Thursdays, from 12:15 PM
Where: Salvation Army, 44 Albert Street, Rugby, CV21 2RU
Community lunch for people aged 60 and over.
Long Lawford Methodist Church – Wednesday Lunch Club
When: Wednesdays, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Light lunch served at 12:00 PM
Where: Long Lawford Methodist Church, School Street, Long Lawford, Rugby, CV23 9AT
No booking required.
Men's Support & Activities
Back and Forth Men's Mental Health
When: Regular weekly walks and virtual social nights (Wednesdays 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM via Microsoft Teams)
Where: Various locations across Warwickshire, including Houlton, Rugby, and Coventry
Peer support group with walking groups, social nights, and weekly podcast. No formal booking required.
Men's Film and Chippy Night
When: Monthly, every 4th Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Christ Church - Brownsover, Helvellyn Way, Rugby, CV21 1QG
Contact: Simon Wade for food orders and attendance details
Men's Breakfast
When: Monthly, every 2nd Saturday at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Christ Church - Brownsover, Helvellyn Way, Rugby, CV21 1QG
Usually drop-in.
Men In Sheds – The Claremont Centre
When: Every Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: The Claremont Centre, 43 Clifton Road, Rugby, CV21 3QE
Contact: Phone: 02476 231999, Email: info@ageukcovwarks.org.uk
Community workshop space for projects and socializing.
Church-Related Groups & Fellowship
Third Tuesday Meal
When: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6:30pm – 9pm
Where: Rugby Christian Life Centre, 14-16 Holbrook Road, Rugby, CV21 2QR
Contact: info@rugbyclc.com or 01788 567 212
Access Fellowship
When: 2nd, 4th, and 5th Wednesday of each month at 8:00 pm
Where: Rugby Methodist Church Centre, Russelsheim Way, Rugby, CV22 7TB
No booking required.
Townswomen's Guild – Hillmorton & Paddox Afternoon
When: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month at 1:45 p.m. (except August)
Where: Hillmorton Community Centre, 326 Hillmorton Road, Rugby, CV22 5HG
Contact: Josephine Moffatt at jommoffatt@gmail.com
The Gift of Years Rugby
Where: Residential care homes and community settings across Rugby
Contact: deacon.georgina@gmail.com
Ecumenical team providing pastoral care and spiritual support for older adults.
Support for Older Adults
Weekly Day Care Session – Hoskyn Centre
When: Mondays, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Where: Hoskyn Centre, Hamilton House, 12 Bilton Road, Rugby, CV22 7AB
Contact: Irene on 01788 542397
Connexions – Social Group for Older Adults
When: Tuesdays, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Where: St Oswald's Church, Lawford Road, Rugby, CV21 2HR
Guest speakers, crafts, games. Lunch available for £2 donation. Drop-in.
Pitstop – Social Group for Older People
When: Tuesdays, 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: St Matthew's Church, Rugby
Drop-in.
Monday Club
When: Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Where: BEC Centre, 27 Main Street, Bilton, Rugby, CV22 7NQ
Contact: 01788 817326 or 07305906832
For seniors aged 55+. Drop-in.
Dementia Day Opportunities – Rugby
When: Mondays to Thursdays, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Contact: Phone: 02476 231999, Email: rugby.dayops@ageukcovwarks.org.uk
Volunteer & Outreach Projects
Making Connexions (Elmer the Motorhome)
When: Weekly visits across Rugby
Where: Various community locations including Newbold, Brownsover, and Grandborough
Contact: Lucy at lucy.glow@btinternet.com / 07764 758474
Tools with a Mission – Rugby Refurbishment Centre
When: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM; Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: 6 Paynes Lane, Rugby, CV21 2UH
Website: www.twam.uk
Home Instead Charities UK
Email: charities@homeinstead.co.uk
Website: www.homeinstead.co.uk/charities
Warwickshire & Solihull Community and Voluntary Action (WCAVA)
Website: www.wcava.org.uk
Active / Sport
Walk and talk - Hill Street Community Centre
When: First Tuesday of each month
Where: Starts from Hill Street Community Centre, CV212NB
Contact: 01788576041
Active Ageing
When: Mondays, 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Where: Christ Church, Brownsover
Low‑impact fitness class for older adults. No booking required.
Benn Partnership Centre Walking Group
When: Every Tuesday, starting at 10:00 AM (arrive 9:45–10:00 AM)
Where: Benn Partnership Centre, Railway Terrace, Rugby, CV21 3HR
Contact: 01788 553033
Creative Activities & Crafts
Creative & Social Activities – Rugby Library
When: Various times throughout the week
Where: Rugby Library, Little Elborow Street, Rugby CV21 3BZ
Booking: eventbrite.co.uk/o/rugby-library-amp-information-centre-71423900863
Sessions include:
Yarn Crafters – Monday, 12:30-2:30 PM (Drop-in)
Yarn Bombers – Tuesday, 5:00-7:00 PM (Drop-in)
Create & Craft – Friday, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM (Drop-in)
Let's Make (Craft Sessions) – Various times (some staff-supported, some independent)
Express Art Group – Benn Partnership Centre
When: Term-time only, Mondays from 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Where: Benn Partnership Centre, Railway Terrace, Rugby, CV21 3HR
Drop-in sessions.
Knit & Natter – St Peter & St John Church
When: Every Tuesday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: St Peter & St John Church, Clifton Road, Rugby, CV21 3QP
No booking required.
Binley Woods Knit and Natter
When: Mondays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Binley Woods Village Hall, Rugby Road, Binley Woods, Coventry, CV3 2AX
No booking required.
Ball of Yarn – Social Knitting & Craft Group
When: Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Tuesday: 6:45 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Monday: St Andrew's Church Café, Rugby Town Centre / Tuesday: St Thomas Cross Pub, Rugby
No booking required.
PEAS – People Enjoying Art Socially
When: Every Monday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Benn Partnership Centre, Railway Terrace, Rugby
Cost: £1 per session (refreshments included)
No advance booking required.
Social & Group Activities
Games & Social Fun – Rugby Library
When: Board Games – Wednesday, 10:30 AM–12:30 PM / Chess Mates – Thursday, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Where: Rugby Library, Little Elborow Street, Rugby CV21 3BZ
Booking: eventbrite.co.uk/o/rugby-library-amp-information-centre-71423900863
Hillmorton Ex-Servicemen's Club
When: Monday–Wednesday: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Thursday: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Friday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: The Green, High Street, Hillmorton, Rugby, CV21 4EH
Contact: 01788 543832
Facebook: facebook.com/HillmortonExServicemens
Wednesday Group – Rugby United Reformed Church
When: Weekly on Wednesdays, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Rugby United Reformed Church, 40 Hillmorton Road, Rugby, CV22 5AD
No formal booking required.
Bulkington Village Community & Conference Centre
Where: School Road, Bulkington, Warwickshire, CV12 9JB
Contact: 024 7649 4094, admin@bulkingtoncommunityandconferencing.co.uk
New Bilton Community Association – Rugby Quaker House
When: Wednesdays, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Rugby Quaker House, Regent Place, Rugby, CV21 2PN
No booking required.
Warm Place of Welcome – Hillmorton Paddox Methodist Church
When: Tuesdays, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Hillmorton Paddox Methodist Church, Dunsmore Avenue, Rugby, CV22 5HD
No booking required.
Reading & Learning
Rugby U3A (University of the Third Age)
Website: www.u3arugby.org.uk
Email: secretary@u3arugby.org.uk
Educational, creative, and leisure activities for retired or semi-retired individuals.
Reading & Community – Rugby Library (Monthly)
Where: Rugby Library, Little Elborow Street, Rugby CV21 3BZ
Sessions include:
Family History Help – Every third Thursday, 2:00–4:30 PM (Drop-in)
Rugby Library Readers – Evening Group: Last Tuesday / Day Group: First Thursday
Out-Out Reads (LGBTQ+ Reading Group) – Every third Tuesday, 6:00–7:00 PM
Music & Singing Groups
Rugby Music Centre – Adult Lessons
Where: Lawrence Sheriff School, Clifton Road, Rugby, CV21 3AG
Contact: enquiries@rugbymusiccentre.co.uk
Singing by Heart – Salvation Army Rugby
When: Fourth Tuesday of each month
Where: Salvation Army, Rugby
For people living with dementia and their carers.
Rugby Community Choir
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/967707434883120
Rugby Male Voice Choir
When: Monday evenings 7.30pm to 9.30pm, September to May
Where: St. George's Church, Hillmorton, Rugby, CV22 5HR
Website: www.rugbymalevoicechoir.com
Cost: £45 annual subscription
Woodland Singers – Ladies Choir
When: Thursday evenings, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM (term time)
Where: St Mark's Church Centre, Church Walk, Bilton, Rugby, CV22 7LX
Contact: woodlandsingers@gmail.com
Website: www.woodlandsingers.co.uk
Phone: 01788 817185
Long Lawford Community Choir (LLCC)
Where: St Johns Church, Long Lawford, Rugby
Contact: llccrugby@outlook.com
Second Saturday Songs
When: 2nd Saturday monthly, 10:30 am–12 pm
Where: St Andrew's Church
IT Help & Digital Support
Tech Help – Rugby Library
When: Monday, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
Where: Rugby Library, Little Elborow Street, Rugby CV21 3BZ
Booking: Call 0300 555 8171 to reserve a slot
Good Things Foundation – Digital Inclusion Support
Learn My Way: www.learnmyway.com
Local Digital Inclusion Hubs:
Equality and Inclusion Partnership – Room 127, Morgan Conference Suite, Warwickshire College, Technology Drive, Rugby, CV21 1AR
O2 Rugby – Unit C, Rugby, CV21 1RW
Benn Partnership Centre – Railway Terrace, Rugby, CV21 3HR
Rugby Library and Information Centre
Where: Rugby Library, Little Elborow Street, Rugby, CV21 3BZ
Free Wi-Fi, public computers, printing/scanning services.
How to Get Involved
Please note: this is a work in progress, and we're continuing to update it. If you know someone who might benefit, please share it with them. Not everyone has digital access, so word of mouth or a printed copy can go a long way.
If you know of a local group or activity that should be added, please get in touch with my office via email: john.slinger.mp@parliament.uk
For a comprehensive view of all events and activities in Rugby, visit: facebook.com/RugbyCommunities/photos_albums
Let's make Rugby a place where no one feels forgotten or left behind.
Most activities are free or low-cost. Many are drop-in sessions requiring no advance booking. Don't hesitate to reach out – these groups exist because people want to help and connect with others just like you.