COME ON OUT! - Walk, eat and get support

Thank you to all who contributed to our fundraiser with Aviva Community Fund - we are over the moon to announce we have reached our target!

We are aiming to start this within the next couple of months, if you are interested please email us at [email protected] or call us on 01707 386 136. 

Empowering isolated lonely people with mental health challenges to get active, get support, problem-solve and develop friendships over lunch.

https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/lunch-n

The project  has three vital elements:

Exercise

Regular exercise helps both physical and mental health! When we exercise chemicals called endorphins are released which have a positive impact on our mood. Taking a walk with others reduces loneliness – we make connections, have time to talk and share whilst getting fitter. Being with others can help with self-confidence and
self-esteem. We only need 30 – 45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least three times a week to help with our physical and mental wellbeing.

Sharing a meal

Sharing meals and having someone to talk to is good for our mental wellbeing. The regularity can help to evoke feelings of contentment and security. They provide a time when you can interact with others, have your say, be listened to and listen to others. Hearing other perspectives enable us to express empathy and understanding and help problem-solve.

Peer support

We are combining psychological support with physical and social activities. Resilience is a fundamental aspect of recovery. Recovery is about the person taking control, coming to an understanding of their experience and taken pro-active steps to promote their wellbeing. Recovery is about hope and taking opportunities. By offering a positive social experience we will help people to bounce back when difficulties strike, making sense of the circumstances will help the person to accept and move on. 

Peer support is a key element and will be provided by Peer Facilitators who have attended our development workshop.  Providing a safe place to discuss issues, share experiences and help to problem solve with others is important as they can help others by sharing their own experiences. By empowering people through everyday situations will boost physical and mental wellbeing, reduce isolation and help the individual on their recovery journey (NationalVoices: Peer support – what is it and does it work 2016). 

Why being social is important

The feeling of loneliness is personal, it is not always the same as being alone. Having mental health challenges can increase the risk of feeling lonely, which will have a negative impact. COME ON OUT will build community and individual resilience, using community capital to ‘bounce back’. By being active, having an opportunity to share, problem-solve and develop long term friendships and support will tackle some of the inequalities people with mental health challenges may face.

What we want to do

We want to offer up to 8 people in Welwyn Garden City area an opportunity to walk in the local area for up to 45 minutes, go to a local café/pub for lunch and to have time to get support from the group supported by two of our Peer Facilitators.