At GoodOaks Homecare Woodford Green, we call this Friendly February.
It’s a gentle reminder that conversation and companionship are just as important as practical homecare. This is particularly true for people living in Woodford Green, South Woodford, the Monkhams Estate, Buckhurst Hill and the surrounding area.
The importance of companionship care for seniors
As life changes, social circles can naturally become smaller. Retirement, bereavement, mobility challenges, dementia or family living further away can all make staying connected more difficult.
Regular social contact is widely recognised as supporting:
- Emotional wellbeing and confidence
- Reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Familiarity and reassurance for people living with dementia
- A more rounded approach to homecare, supporting emotional as well as physical wellbeing
Friendship does not have to mean a packed diary. Often, it’s the simple moments, a shared conversation, a laugh, a cup of coffee, that make the biggest difference.
Making new connections later in life
There is a common misconception that friendships only belong to earlier years. In reality, meaningful connections can be made at any age, especially when people feel relaxed, welcomed and under no pressure.
This can be particularly valuable for:
- People living alone
- Those receiving homecare support
- Individuals living with early-stage dementia
- People who are new to Woodford Green, Buckhurst Hill or nearby communities
Consistency and familiarity matter. Gentle, regular social opportunities can help people feel confident and supported, without feeling overwhelmed.
Free dementia-friendly coffee mornings in Woodford Green
For over a year, GoodOaks Homecare Woodford Green has been hosting a free monthly coffee morning at the much-loved Cafe Belgique in Woodford Green. The venue is easily accessible for people from South Woodford, the Monkhams Estate and Buckhurst Hill.
Held on the first Thursday of every month, the coffee morning offers a dependable opportunity to get out of the house, meet others and enjoy relaxed conversation in a friendly setting.
What started as a simple community idea has grown into a well-loved local gathering. Many attendees now recognise one another, sit together naturally and look forward to catching up each month.
Our coffee mornings are:
- Free and open to people in the local community
- Relaxed, welcoming and dementia-inclusive
- Suitable for those receiving homecare or simply looking for companionship
- A safe, informal space where friendships can develop naturally
There is no agenda and no pressure. Just conversation, laughter and the occasional game, all in a warm and familiar environment.
Small social moments, a real difference
We often hear how meaningful these coffee mornings are. For some, they provide routine and something to look forward to. For others, they are a gentle way to rebuild confidence following a period of isolation or changing care needs.
For people living with dementia, regular social interaction in familiar surroundings can be especially reassuring. For families, knowing a loved one feels connected and supported can bring real peace of mind.
These moments remind us that high-quality homecare is not only about practical support. It is also about companionship, emotional wellbeing and feeling part of the local community.
Friendly February and beyond
While February gives us a reason to shine a light on friendship, staying connected is central to our approach all year round.
At GoodOaks Homecare Woodford Green, we support people across Woodford Green, South Woodford, the Monkhams Estate and Buckhurst Hill to live independently at home, with visiting and live-in care that values dignity, routine, companionship and choice.
From dementia-aware homecare and companionship visits to community events like our monthly coffee mornings, we believe living well means staying connected.
If you would like to join us on the first Thursday of the month at Cafe Belgique, or would like to find out more about homecare and dementia support in your area, we would love to hear from you.
Sometimes, it really does start with just a coffee. To talk to a member of our friendly office team, contact us or call 020 4572 1674.