This week is World Wellbeing Week, and is a great opportunity for people to celebrate the many aspects of wellbeing. The term can mean different things to different people, but generally speaking, it refers to the state of being comfortable, healthy and happy.
Looking after your own wellbeing can mean making time for leisure pursuits such as gardening or golf, exercising, spending time with friends, but can also involve accessing services for support, to name but a few ideas.
At Community Lives Matter we do not take wellbeing for granted, and provide a whole host of services which help people to achieve this feeling of contentment.
- Our weekly luncheon club helps to provide important social contact for people who may otherwise experience negative emotions such as loneliness, depression and anxiety. In meeting others, and enjoying a wonderful meal in great company, they leave feeling more satisfied and fulfilled. Lots of people say it is their favourite day of the week!
- Our dementia bowls group provides an opportunity for both those with dementia and their family and carers to come together and enjoy each other’s company. For family and carers, this has proven to be life saving, especially during lockdown, as caring for someone with dementia can be particularly challenging and demanding, both physically and emotionally / mentally. They are able to discuss their experiences, other services, and take time out to
- appreciate that they are not alone, whilst bowling continues with our fantastic volunteers for guidance and support. The monthly dementia café also provides another chance to access information on support services and spend a meaningful afternoon together with others in a similar position.
- Our support for asylum seekers and refugees is all about improving wellbeing, in its many forms. We assist practically with letter writing, arranging health appointments, assisting with English lessons, etc., but also aim to provide a safe and welcoming space where people feel included, valued and supported. Fun activities such as table tennis and pool enable participants to relax and enjoy themselves, and regular trips to local places of interest help with the feeling of being included into society.
- We are working to further develop the befriending project, piloted during the pandemic, for people who are isolated in society and are unable to join us for our activities.
Volunteers…
None of our activities would be possible without our fantastic team of volunteers! Every aspect of Community Lives Matter thrives due to their commitment, dedication and continued kindness towards others.
Are you our next volunteer? If you are interested in a unique voluntary role, we welcome you to contact us for details of our opportunities.
Photos by Kenny Eliason and Stacie Clark on Unsplash.