When some people retire they manage to fill their days with all sorts of activities, some charitable, some educational and some just doing what they feel like doing.

But for some people that is not quite so easy and for them the Brunswick Older People's Project may possibly hold the answer.

Working or studying alongside people of your own age is obviously a plus, as you are less likely to feel quite so overwhelmed as you might if you had to work alongside a younger 'whiz kid' as can happen in evening classes when it is come one, come all.

This scheme has been running for about three years and is part of the PACT Community Project. It has no particular religious affiliation and is open to all older folk living in the Brunswick area. It has a special relevance for people who may be housebound, have physical difficulties, or who are simply lonely due to their own personal circumstances.

The scheme offers educational and recreational opportunities ranging from French to line dancing, art and creative writing to yoga, as well as outings to places of interest with a tutor to explain something about the destination.

So what makes this scheme different from other further education offerings? First of all, it is only for people over 60 years and secondly, some people are referred from social services if it is felt that their circumstances might be improved by what the scheme offers. The St John's Day Centre, in Palmeira Square, provides a stimulating environment light years away from the traditional image with the varied programme of activities and the Centre Cafe provides some excellent meals at very affordable prices.

The housebound are not forgotten as a minibus can collect them. But that needs extra help with a volunteer to accompany.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome and there is always room for more helpers. If you feel you could help by going on the bus or helping with the Housebound Learners' Courses, the organisers would love to hear from you. Members pay a small weekly membership fee for attending the centre and a contribution towards the transport costs for outings and, of course, the food and drinks from the cafe has to be paid for. But when you find that you can get a roast Sunday lunch from £2.50 to £3, you realise what good value it is.

The outreach work is seen by the co-ordinators, Caroline Ridley and Joanne Tremeer, as being particularly important as it brings some lonely and more isolated people back into the community.

Where possible, a one-to-one contact will be arranged and often long-lasting friendships result.

Volunteers are always being sought for this branch of the Brunswick Project which involves visiting housebound folk, maybe helping on one of the outings but generally just befriending someone who needs a little light relief brought into their life. It sounds very worthwhile.

If you are interested in what the Brunswick Older People's Project has to offer, either as a helper or as a member, the contact number is 01273 205214, for either Caroline or Joanne.