Opportunities once you've retired

Being retired may mean you have more time to do the things you've always wanted to. Or you might want to look for new ideas to do things you never knew you'd enjoy. In any case there are a range of opportunities you can enjoy in retirement.

Go back to school

Learning can be fun and a great way to relax and socialise. It doesn’t have to be formal and you don’t have to learn for a qualification. Free courses are easy to find and if you're learning just for fun, you can choose anything you find interesting – whether it's a new interest or a subject you already know something about.  Take a look at our Education and Learning section for advice and links to local colleges, libraries, etc.

The University of the 3^rd Age provides self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operatives for older people no longer in full time work, providing opportunities for their members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications, but for fun. For more details please go to their website (external link). e-mail: enquiries@chesteru3a.org.uk or telephone 01244 680460.

Get out and about

When you’re retired you'll probably have more time for your favourite leisure activities, or you may be looking for a new interest or activity to enjoy in your spare time.  Our Tourism and Leisure section has information about things to do in and around Chester.

Lend a hand

Voluntary work can be a good way of working in a way that suits you. It’s also a great way to use your skills and experience to help others, and at the same time learn something new. There are many volunteering opportunities so it’s worth thinking about what you want to do and what you want to get out of it. For more information about how and where you can volunteer in your area, visit the Chester Voluntary Action Website (external link) or the Do It Website (external link)

Go back to work

Reaching State Pension age doesn’t mean you have to give up work – paid or voluntary. You can choose to keep on working while taking your State Pension entitlement, or delay your claim and get paid more later on.  Visit the Direct.gov.uk website (external link)  for more information

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