New 'life changing' wellbeing hub in Letchworth
Our Compassionate Neighbours team recently helped set up a new weekly Community Hub at St. Thomas Church in Letchworth, to support people who are socially isolated. The hub is run by volunteers and takes place every Wednesday from 2-4pm.
Jeanette Farrow has project managed the Compassionate Neighbours scheme for the last five years, helping to support hundreds of socially isolated and vulnerable people in our community. When visiting the Hub, Jeanette met Jo Blackmore, a new member who has seen huge benefits from the exercise sessions led by one the Compassionate Neighbours.
Here's what Jo had to share about her experience:
"One of the volunteers, Sally, announced that she was going to start running exercise sessions, so my sister and I went along. I mentioned that I have rheumatoid arthritis and was struggling to get my legs moving in the morning - I also have issues with hand movement. It's a group setting so she wasn't able to single me out - but she made sure she included some exercises that might help me. Since then I have been doing the exercises three times a week - and I can't believe how much I've improved in such a short time!
"I can't speak highly enough of the life changing help I've received - it's wonderful what the exercise sessions have done for me. Everyone here is so lovely, you can tell they genuinely care about helping people. They haven't only helped me physically, but mentally as well. My sister and I have lost a number of family members recently and the vicar is always happy to talk with us."
Community member, Jo and Compassionate Neighbour, Sally stand together outside St. Thomas' Church in Letchworth
The church is led by vicar Rev Jessica McLaren, who had some words to share about the positive impact the hub is having in the local community, and the partnership with the Hospice:
"It's amazing to be a part of this scheme, and to know that these hubs are running around the local area. I look around this room each week and I can see how it's changing lives - not just for those attending, but for their families too. There's a real mixture of people here, from the church and the local community, and it's great to see everyone chatting and getting along.
"The exercise sessions are particularly valuable. I can see how they are helping the participants with their mobility - everyone's willing to get involved, and with smiles on their faces.
"Not only do I encourage people to come along, but I'd also like to encourage people to volunteer. Volunteering isn't just about giving, because you receive so much in return. I always leave the hub with more energy - there's an atmosphere here that really lifts your spirits. And the Compassionate Neighbours training is the best training of its kind that I've received.
"It's incredible to be able to partner with the Hospice. Their support has been key and we wouldn't have been able to create something like this without their expertise."
Community members and volunteers having fun at a weekly hub in St Thomas' Church
The Hospice now runs six weekly hubs with around 200 regular attendees. There is clearly a lot of demand, but with limited resource we are continuing to explore different ways of partnering with local organisations. Using our Compassionate Communities approach, our team is able to upskill and share resources with interested volunteers to help them establish their own wellbeing hubs.
