Rediscovering friendship, purpose, and community with a little help from The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship (CSRF)
Retirement marks the end of one chapter, but it also opens the door to a bright new one, an invitation to start a brand new chapter full of possibility!
While it may bring a shift from the routines and camaraderie of working life, it also offers a chance to try something new, rediscover passions, and reconnect with others and with yourself.
At CSRF, we believe later life can be filled with meaning, friendships, and connection. Yes, loneliness is a challenge for many, but retirement is also a time to grow, to give back, and to belong. That’s where the CSRF comes in.
For over 60 years, the CSRF has been a lifeline of connection for retired civil servants, offering support, companionship, and community through our local groups, befriending services, and national helpline. The CSRF are here to help you make the most of this exciting new phase.
This is why it matters!
- 940,000 aged 65+ in the UK report feeling lonely often, representing 7% of this age group. Community Life Survey 2023/24: Loneliness and support networks – GOV.UK
- 270,000 aged 65+ in England go a week without speaking to a friend or family member. Building on success to beat loneliness | Discover |
- Approximately 2 million people aged 65+ are projected to experience loneliness by 2025/26, a 49% increase from 2016/17. Lonely nation. Part 2: ending loneliness among older people – Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER)
But here’s the good news, you can take simple, meaningful steps to stay connected and the CSRF are here to support you every step of the way.
Here are 5 powerful ways to stay socially active and feel part of something bigger in retirement:
- Join a local community group and find your people
Retirement is a perfect time to create new and nurture friendships, share life stories, experiences, and discover new hobbies. Our local groups offer structure, support, and fellowship.
At CSRF we run 40+ local CSRF groups across the UK, where retired civil servants meet regularly for chats, talks, activities, and friendship. Whether it’s tea and cake or a guest speaker, there’s always something to look forward to.
Find a group near you: https://csrf.org.uk/find-a-group/
- Volunteer and make a difference
Volunteering can give your time new meaning. It connects you to others, keeps you mentally and emotionally active, and able to give back to your community.
The way you can help is by raising funds for us within your departments, become a telephone, email befriender or help to coordinate a local “Let’s Do Lunch” group.
This is a great way to offer friendship and companionship to someone who may feel isolated and in turn, make a meaningful connection.
Learn more about our volunteering opportunities here: https://csrf.org.uk/lets-do-lunch/
- Stay social, even at a distance
Social isolation is a real risk for retirees. Staying in touch even just by phone can improve your mental wellbeing and reduce loneliness.
Our national befriending service matches volunteers and beneficiaries for regular chats by phone, post, or in person. These simple check-ins make a world of difference.
Learn more about our befriending scheme: https://csrf.org.uk/befriending-schemes/
- Seek support when you need it
Retirement brings new questions, whether it’s housing, pensions, health, or bereavement knowing where to turn, it can be daunting, but you’re not alone.
Our Freephone helpline offers confidential support, advice, and signposting to trusted organisations who can help. Whether you’re facing a challenge or just need someone to listen to, we’re here for you to guide you through life’s challenges.
Learn more about our Advice and helpline: www.csrf.org.uk/advice
- Support others and yourself
Staying connected doesn’t just mean receiving support, it can also mean giving. By supporting CSRF, you’re helping to make sure that no retired civil servant feels forgotten or alone.
If you’re retired, transitioning into retirement, or know anyone who is, you can become an Annual Supporter for £13 only for this year, you can join this growing network and create connections and be part of an impact that helps support your community and one day helps you. Sign up here today: https://csrf.org.uk/support-us/annual-supporter/
If you’re working in the Civil Service, you can become a Digital Donor for just £3 a year (less than the price of a coffee!). Join here and support your retired colleagues: www.csrf.org.uk/digitaldonor
Start your new chapter with us!
By signing up, you’re not only strengthening the CSRF community, you’re keeping connection, and care alive for others, and for yourself.
Whether you join a group, volunteer, pick up the phone, or share your story, you’re making sure no one faces retirement alone.
Email us at enquiries@csrf.org.uk
Written by Hasnath Kalam, CSRF Marketing and Communications Manager