Lifelines (Brighton and Hove)
Lifelines brings people aged 50+ across Brighton & Hove together through volunteer-led groups and personalised support, helping them stay connected, active and well. By combining social activity, cultural exchange and practical support, the project reduces isolation and enables people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Lifelines is a community-led programme supporting people aged 50+ across Brighton & Hove to stay connected, active and well. Through a mix of group activities and one-to-one support, we create welcoming spaces where people can build friendships, try new things and feel part of their community.
At the heart of Lifelines is the power of volunteering. We recruit, train and support volunteers to lead activities, share skills and bring people together, from creative sessions and cultural exchange to practical support that helps people attend appointments and stay independent. Everything we offer is shaped by local people, for local people, ensuring it reflects the needs and strengths of the community.
Since 2007, Lifelines has supported hundreds of people to improve their health and wellbeing while tackling loneliness and isolation. Whether online or in community venues across the city, our work is about creating meaningful connections, building confidence and helping people live healthier, more connected lives.
We host volunteer-led activities in community venues across the city, with a focus on social connections, health and wellbeing, and having fun. Lifelines recruits, trains and supports volunteers to start and run their own groups and activities in community spaces in the city.
Lifelines volunteers encourage people to get together to chat, to do or make things, to exercise, dance around, and often try something new.
Discover our activities below.
Our tech volunteers support people to get to grips with modern technology – a computer, tablet or phone. They support people to get better access to available services, connect with family and friends, join new groups and activities, follow their interests, play pastimes – and have a bit of fun along the way!
And if they don’t have a device, our Tablet Loan & Support Service means they have everything they need to get started.
Get in touch
If you would like know more about any of our Lifelines activities or services, please contact us by email or by calling 01273 688 117.
Activity calendar
All activities are free or small donation to cover costs – unless specified, sessions are weekly.
Activities delivered by Lifelines volunteers, and some by partner, Sing Well. Please contact us on 01273 688117 or email lifelines@volunteeringmatters.org.uk to book a place.
Monday
Knitting Group
Join us for chatting and knitting over refreshments. Beginners welcome
When: Monthly – 2nd Monday of the month / Starts @ 2 pm (2 hrs).
Where: Evelyn Court, Windlesham Close, Portslade, BN41 2AA
Tuesday
Health & Wellbeing Hub
Extend help and encourage people of all shapes and sizes to improve their general health and maintain independence and mobility in an enjoyable atmosphere.
When: Starts @ 10:30 am (90 mins)
Where: Evelyn Court, Windlesham Close, Portslade, BN41 2AA
Sing Well at New Larchwood
Everyone welcome – no experience needed. Singing, foot-tapping and humming all optional. Activity delivered by partner, Sing Well.
When: Starts @ 10:30 am (90 mins)
Where: New Larchwood, Waldron Ave, BN1 9EZ
The Big Quiz
A fun, light-hearted quiz delivered on-line. Have a paper and pen ready.
When: Starts @ 11 am (30 mins)
Where: Online (Zoom)
The Big Quiz (In person)
Our fun, light-hearted online quiz, played communally in the lounge at Lavender House. And of course, have a paper and pen ready.
When: Starts @ 11 am (30 mins)
Where: Lavender House, Lavender Street, Kemp Town, BN2 1LG
Tea and Tech
Get help with your digital devices – with tea/coffee and snacks! Get some give quick help or book 1-to-1 sessions to learn more. Or come for the chat and refreshments. Bring a device, try ours, or use our free tablet loan service.
When: Starts @ 12 pm (60 mins)
Where: Lavender House, Lavender Street, Kemp Town, BN2 1LG
Competitive Bridge
Come and join other friendly players for regular competitive games of club style duplicate pairs Bridge for experienced players.
When: Starts @ 12:45 pm (2 hrs 15 mins)
Where: Sloane Court, Park Street Brighton BN2 0DG
Phone Group Chat
A friendly telephone chat group – join in for a chat.
When: Starts @ 2:30 pm (1 hr)
Where: Zoom (phone only)
Sing Well at Leach Court
Everyone welcome – no experience needed. Singing, foot-tapping and humming all optional. Activity delivered by partner, Sing Well.
When: Starts @ 2:30 pm (2 hours)
Where: Leach Court, Park Street, BN2 0DE
Wednesdays
Art Class
We are offering informal, fun sessions where you can express yourself through your drawing or painting. Beginners Welcome.
When: Starts @ 10 am (2 hrs)
Where: Leach Court, Park Street, Brighton, BN2 0DE
Pilates – Chair Based/Seated (Online)
Gentle exercise to stretch and strengthen your muscles, hosted by John, an experienced Pilates teacher in supporting older adults and those with health issues that may make exercise a challenge.
When: Starts @ 10 am (45 mins)
Where: Online (Zoom)
Pilates – Mat Work
Gentle exercise to stretch/strengthen muscles, hosted by experienced Pilates teacher, John. Supporting those with health issues that make exercise a challenge.
When: Starts @ 12:30 pm (45 mins)
Where: Cornerstone Community Centre, Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2FL
Thursdays
Pilates – Wall & Seated
Gentle exercise to stretch and strengthen your muscles, hosted by John, an experienced Pilates teacher in supporting older adults and those with health issues that may make exercise a challenge. This is a combined wall and seated class. Slightly more challenging than the chair based session, but no getting down on the floor required.
When: Starts @ 9:15 am (55 mins)
Where: Cornerstone Community Centre, Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2FL
Pilates – Chair Based
Gentle exercise to stretch and strengthen your muscles, hosted by John, an experienced Pilates teacher in supporting older adults and those with health issues that may make exercise a challenge.
When: Starts @ 10:15 am (55 mins)
Where: Cornerstone Community Centre, Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2FL
The Big Quiz
The Big Quiz goes face-to-face, once a month at Lavender House. All the usual fun, but with the hosts in the room. And they can see if you have pen and paper ready!
When: Monthly – Starts @ 11 am (30 mins)
Where: Lavender House Lavender Street, Kemp Town, BN2 1LG
Jeane’s Quiz & Chat
Jeanne hosts a friendly quick quiz, followed by a chat on a topic of choice.
When: Starts @ 11:30 am (1 hr)
Where: Online (Zoom)
Card Making
Elaine is back with more card making ideas, now based at Lavender House.
When: Monthly, 1st Thursday of the month. Starts @ 2pm (90 mins)
Where: Lavender House, Lavender Street, Kemp Town, BN2 1LG
Bingo
Eyes Down, here we go! Come and join Emma for fun playing – and grocery prizes. No experience necessary.
When: Monthly – 4th Thursday of the month / Starts @ 2 pm (2 hrs)
Where: Evelyn Court, Windlesham Close, Portslade, BN41 2AA
Boccia
If you ever wanted to learn to play Boccia this is your chance to learn. We welcome people of all abilities from beginners to the more experienced player. Play in a friendly atmosphere.
When: Starts @ 2:30 pm (1 hr)
Where: Patching Lodge, Park Street, Brighton, BN2 0AQ
Phone Group Chat
A friendly telephone chat group – join in for a chat.
When: Starts @ 2:30 pm (1 hr)
Where: Zoom (phone only)
Boccia
If you ever wanted to learn to play Boccia this is your chance to learn. We welcome people of all abilities from beginners to the more experienced player. Play in a friendly atmosphere.
When: Starts @ 2:45 pm (1 hr)
Where: Leach Court, Park Street, Brighton, BN2 0DE
Line Dancing
A fun and friendly dance class where you don’t need a partner. Line dancing to Latin and ballroom. £3 donation for venue cost.
When: 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month / Starts @ 2 pm (2 hrs)
Where: Woodingdean Methodist Church Hall, The Ridgway, Woodingdean BN2 6PA
Bingo at Lavender House
Eyes Down, here we go! Come and join Emma for fun playing – and grocery prizes. No experience necessary.
When: Various, please check for details
Where: Lavender House, Lavender Street, Kemp Town, BN2 1LG
Fridays
Dance of Awareness
An enjoyable and creative dance session, as low or high energy as you feel – and you can’t get it wrong! Have some fun whilst improving your health, fitness and wellbeing. Suitable for those with limited mobility.
When: Starts @ 10 am (90 mins)
Where: Patching Lodge, Park Street, Brighton, BN2 0AQ
Mah Jong with Lifelines
Learn to play Mah Jong – a fascinating tile-based game developed by China in the 19th century. Beginners Welcome.
When: Starts @ 11 am (2 hours)
Where: Sloane Court, Park Street, Brighton, BN2 0DG
Friday Music Social
Music, Dance and Chat at Leach Court. Stand up and boogie or sit down and tap your feet. Come along for a dance or just for the chat. And sing along to some favourite songs. Music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Relaxed friendly atmosphere. Pick you favourite songs to play. Refreshments provided.
When: Monthly – 4th Friday – Starts @ 2 pm (2 hrs)
Where: Leach Court, Park Street, Brighton, BN2 0DE
Saturdays
Saturday Games Afternoon
Drop in for a fun afternoon of games and refreshments. Learn to play Backgammon, Whist, Chess, Perudo, Settlers of Catan and many more – including Mafia, the game the TV series Traitors is based on. Beginners welcome!
Free for the first 2 events – then a small donation to cover costs.
When: Monthly – 1st Saturday of the month. Starts @ 2pm (4 hours)
Where: Community Base (Conference Room) 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG
More about us
Videos
World Culture Day at Lavender House
Volunteers from Sussex University bring the vibrant culture of Indonesia to the residents of Lavender House with the help of our wonderful Lifelines team. Events like this help to tackle social isolation and improve the mental health of older residents in Brighton and Hove.
This project is kindly supported by
