New initiative to help retirees with 'next chapter'

Three retired residents with extensive experience in community projects are launching a new initiative aimed at supporting people approaching retirement or already enjoying later life.

Mary Jessop, Paul Hilton and Ed Kelly are behind “Next Chapter”, a new community project designed to help retirees access practical support, social opportunities and advice to improve their overall wellbeing. 

The trio said they recognised that many retired people can struggle with issues including financial worries, loneliness, isolation and a lack of opportunities to stay socially connected and active within their community. 

Research has shown that effective retirement support can help reduce loneliness and isolation, improve mental wellbeing and even help delay or reduce dementia-related decline by encouraging people to stay socially and mentally engaged. 

The group are planning to launch a free retirement support course at Victoria Hall in Glossop starting in November 2026, and want local people to help shape the programme to ensure it reflects the real needs and interests of retirees in the area.  

They are now inviting residents who are approaching retirement or who are already retired to complete a short questionnaire which will help decide the content and structure of the sessions. 

Mary, Paul and Ed say they would be extremely grateful if local people could spare a few minutes to complete the survey and share their views. You can complete the questionnaire online at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/CNWRML/   

Anyone wanting more information about the initiative can contact Ed Kelly on 07784 862756.