We’re delighted to announce the beta launch of The After Work Club, a new social network that provides men aged 55-65 with the inspiration, connections and resources to help them redefine life after work. The service combines an online social environment with real-world social events, which together enable members to gain inspiration and insight from others who have done amazing things since leaving their full-time careers and to share stories and ideas about life beyond full-time employment.
The beta website theafterworkclub.co.uk , which is currently offering free memberships, follows a successful maiden social event held in the iconic Design Council building in London in May. The next event will be held in London on 20 June 2012. There are lots of ways to participate beyond signing up for membership and we’re keen to talk to people and organisations that can help support the Club through its next stage of growth. Please get in touch at hello@theafterworkclub.co.uk if you’d like to join in!
The After Work Club was inspired by research we conducted across more than 350 men over the age of 55, looking at the opportunities and challenges they face when leaving a full-time working environment. It’s clear that the traditional concept of ‘retirement’ is outdated; rather than stopping work and pottering around for a few years, many people see it as an opportunity to do new things, perhaps to retrain and start a new career, fulfil a lifetime ambition, or simply to try something different. However, for many, it’s a question of knowing where to start – getting a sense of what’s possible and then building the social connections and support that can help you move forwards with confidence. That’s where The After Work Club comes in. It’s a fun and inspiring environment that helps men to get the most out of this exciting new stage in their lives.
thinkpublic has created the Club in partnership with the Fitness Industry Association (FIA), the trade organisation for the health and fitness sector. The initial research and development was supported through a grant provided by the Technology Strategy Board and the Design Council, as part of a national ‘Keeping Connected’ Business Challenge.