Have you thought of getting in touch with old school friends? I went on Facebook a while back and found loads of old school mates and we keep in touch now online. A few of them live around my area and we're planning to meet up plus we're trying to arrange a class reunion. I've also found lots of other friends I'd lost touch with too, might be a way of getting reaquainted with friends you've lost touch with.
I'm in Liverpool too, not sure what hospital you work in but I know there's meetings near Fazakerley hosp and some not too far from the Royal, does depend on days and times but there's quite alot of meetings in Liverpool so maybe you could find one even if it's not your local, maybe the next one out?