2019-03-01ReadersDigest_AUNZ

March• 2019 | 65

READER’S DIGEST

And as Jeanette points out,
it’s an opportunity not just to
get support, but also to support
others. “When I first started at
the group, I couldn’t stay more
than ten minutes without being
in floods of tears – everything
overwhelmed me,” she says.
“But now, over a year down
the line, when new people
come, I can empathise with
how they’re feeling, and say to
them, ‘Look, there is light at the
end of the tunnel. You might
feel like you’re so far down the
rabbit hole that your ears aren’t
even out the top, but trust me,
things can get better.’”

THE MIND GROUPis just one
of the services listed in around
50 categories on the website
set up by Health Connections
Mendip, the health-service
group for the area that makes
the whole programme work.
The categories don’t just cover
health concerns but also
general welfare issues such as
housing, transport and work
or study.
Activities on offer range from choir
singing and weight management
through to a wide range of mutual
supportgroups.Around650trained
volunteers in the area act as ‘commu-
nity connectors’, spreading the word
about what’s available. And qualified
‘health connectors’ offer one-to-one

meetings,wheretheycanadviseon

appropriate classes or groups and

help in setting health-related goals.

Goal-setting is the aim of Health

Connections’so-calledOnTrack

groups, where people with simi-

larhealthissuescanmeettooffer

mutual support. “We get together

every other Tuesday for an hour

Dealing with Loneliness

If you feel affected by loneliness,

the local council and library are

good sources of information about

community groups and organisations

that will encourage and value your

participation. And ask your local

doctortoreferyoutoasocialgroupor

befriending project that could improve

your wellbeing.

There are many ways in which

to contribute your time, skills and

experience while finding stimulating

company and getting the opportunity

to make new friends with shared

interests:

QCarry on learning through adult

education

QTakeupanewhobby

QVolunteer for a good cause

QJoin a choir

QBecomeamemberofabook group

QEnrolinanexerciseclass

QKeep in touch with old friends and

family through Skype or FaceTime

QBorrowadogtotakewalking

QParticipate in a team sport suited

to your level of fitness.