It’s been four years since my partner died and I need to have a social life again

DEAR DEIDRE: I WANT to get out and meet people after my partner died four years ago.

I haven’t really moved on and suffer from anxiety and depression.

I think meeting new people will really help me.

I am 63 and my partner was 72 when he died. We were with each other for 25 years.

We did everything together and we were a great team.

I was desolate after he died and retreated into myself.

It took three years to pluck up the courage to talk to my doctor about how bad I felt. He put me on medication, which has really helped.

I would like to try volunteering but being depressed makes it hard.

I want to do something, but don’t know how to go about it.

DEIDRE SAYS: Losing a loved one doesn’t mean your life is over, but it does mean things will be different.

It’s great that you feel ready to meet new people. Volunteering can make such a positive impact on another person’s life and can be a rewarding experience.

There are many organisations that will welcome the skills you have to offer.

Check your local Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) for voluntary work. Good luck.

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