One of the most common requests we have heard from our community clients since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic has been “When can we see our friends from our regular groups again?”
With re-opening the building to accommodate our community groups an impossibility, our Community, Advice and Support Team put their heads together formulated a plan which would allow old friends to be reunited in a safe environment.
Shelley Lewis, CAST Senior Practitioner, explains:
“We decided that a safe and healthy way to meet would be a walk and talk in the local park. We asked a few people and they said they they’d love to join in – so we set up the ‘Walk & Talk’ group.
“We are meeting each week on Wednesdays – one group in the morning and one in the afternoon – and having a leisurely walk through the park. The Fed is providing fruit, water, masks and hand sanitiser.
“We know just how important for people’s mental health and general well-being it is to re-create the bonds of friendship that are established through our regular groups, and we hope that in this way we can alleviate the isolation that affects so many.
“It’s had a wonderful response and we are praying for more sunshine!”
