Finding Joy

January 30, 2025

(above are Jennifer, Woody, Jax and Bobby - all GoodGymers that have helped Joy reconnect with her love for music)

In England, nearly 3 million people often or always experience loneliness - a reality that has persisted year after year, according to recent data from the Wellbeing and Loneliness survey. A core part of GoodGym’s mission is building better connected communities, helping people of all ages meet, chat and get to know someone they may never have met otherwise.

For GoodGymers Jennifer, Woody, Jax and Bobby in Norwich, one such connection has brought them to a remarkable woman called Joy.

Music is the answer

Joy has lived with limited sight for most of her life, but two years ago suddenly lost her vision completely. To make matters more challenging, this happened while she was in the middle of moving house. Navigating her new world without sight brought major obstacles, and she felt she’d lost access to the hobbies that had once brought her comfort - like her love for music.

“I had stacks of CDs and books I’d kept for years” Joy recalls, but due to losing her sight amidst a house move she stated “everything was so out of order”. Music was a source of peace for Joy, something she discovered after a therapist suggested it might help her cope with the sudden changes to her life. Yet without a way of organising her collection Joy felt a sense of helplessness at ever regaining these hobbies fully.

When Age UK Norwich introduced her to GoodGym things began to change however. Joy considered various tools to help her organise her music, but none were quite right. “I thought about some kind of magic pen that would read and then speak to you, but decided it would be easier in braille. I learnt it as a child but had never thought to use it until now”.

This sparked a new beginning for Joy and with the help of GoodGymers, she’s now labelling her CDs in braille, giving her the freedom to access her music collection independently once again.

First impressions

Joy admits that the thought of inviting someone she’d never met into her home was a bit nerve-wracking. “I knew what I wanted to happen, but I was anxious - will this work? Would they understand what I was talking about?”.

Despite anxeities, she remembers her first visit very fondly. “It was comfortable to be with Jennifer. We introduced ourselves, got talking, and I explained what I needed. All the worries I had were very totally unnecessary”. Joy continues, “I have met around 6 individual GoodGymers now, and felt at ease with each of them. Each time we talk and get to know each other a little bit. It is absolutely lovely in all respects”.

With each visit, Joy’s CD collection grew more accessible. One day, as they worked through the pile of CD’s they stumbled across the very one Joy and her therapist had discussed - the one that set Joy's mind at ease and gave her that feeling of peace. Joy was quick to explain her gratitude towards GoodGym for enabling her to find this CD. A seemingly small gesture, but due to her lack of sight, an impossible task had a GoodGymer not been there to help.

Back in the driver's seat

Each visit from GoodGym means another small step towards independence for Joy. “It's given me the ability to access the things that are actually mine, and feel more in charge of my own life”, she says.

Joy feels grateful not only for the practical help but for the recognition and empathy she receives from every GoodGymer that has been to visit. “I’ve had countless eye doctors and surgeons throughout my life. The good ones recognised that I’m not just a case, I’m a person.” Joy compares this to her experience with GoodGym, “I get that feeling from everyone at GoodGym. GoodGymers are always interested in me as a person.”

Would you offer a hand when its needed?

Joy reflected often on the power of a helping hand, and the difference between that and a friendly visit. Joy has friends, she isn't isolated socially, yet has struggled to find someone willing to help with simple tasks like labelling her CD’s. Admitting it's a fairly long and tedious job, certainly not holding it against her friends for not wanting to.

She compares this to GoodGym, and the benefit of no one spending more than an hour or so per visit, yet the combined efforts of GoodGymers in Norwich have allowed Joy to regain some control in her life, even if it is just to listen to the music she wants, when she wants.

If you'd like to help someone like Joy, you can! GoodGym provides free DBS checks and training beforehand and support throughout. You can pick up sessions as and when you like to help isolated older people in your area.

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Find out more about GoodGym's older people work.