Hi! I’m Helen, and I want to tell you my story – A while ago I moved to a little village without public transport. I knew nobody, and my daughter and grandchildren live an hour’s drive away.
I have lots of health issues, which limit my energy. I put money by to keep my own car, as I need to use a stick and a rollator walker with a seat to help me walk around.
My hands are always cold, and I can’t write very well. I’ve realised how much I have to look after my mental health. I’m 55, but because of my health I can’t do much now and it gets me down.
Getting out of the house takes me away from all that. I was going to two mental health support groups (Reach Out and MIND) locally, but they stopped because the funding ran out.
Referrals for more funding for me didn’t work out, but one day the Parish Nurse put a note through my door telling me about the Place of Welcome which was just starting in the nearby town.
It’s in the town centre with parking close by, so, I came out to it and met people and it’s lifted my mood. I come regularly now and try to join in with craft activities as far as my hands let me.
I like to chat and listen to people, and I’ve quickly made new friends. It’s really helped my mental health. I want to help others, so I want my story to get out there to help people know how a Place of Welcome can help them.
I think every place should have one!