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Pandemic Problems
speaks to Pete Anderson , project worker at Thrive Stewarton
The corona virus pandemic has been hard on most of us . It ’ s completely understandable that so many have experienced difficult feelings , especially after living through it for so long . The group from John Knox church had got together and were asking how the pandemic had affected their peers in the 20s to 40s age group , as well as the wider community . They wanted to know how they could support them .
Nearly 300 people responded to our online survey ; three quarters of whom were in their 20s to 40s . 42 % said they had recently had problems with their work or daily life due to emotional problems such as feeling sad , anxious or depressed .
Some of the comments included : “ I ’ ve felt isolated and lonely ” “ How do I feel ? Exhausted ” “ It ’ s one big stress ” “ I ’ m anxious about going back to the way things were ”
50 % had experienced loneliness and more than 70 % rated their mental health as poor or fair .
Using the survey results , the group have started to offer activities to support physical , mental , emotional and spiritual health needs . ‘ Walk and Talk ’ sessions on Friday mornings start from the John Knox church car park just after 10am for a leisurely walk , then back to the Cottage drop-in centre for a cuppa .
Thrive have been talking to other local groups about a community garden space in the town , and meantime have secured a piece of ground at the back of the church to grow flowers and vegetables , and offer simple gardening activities .
Getting involved in garden spaces gives loads of benefits to our health and wellbeing - by boosting positive emotions , and helping to relieve stress , anxiety , tension and fatigue .
The group are looking to open a Wednesday Wellbeing Café in the church with hobbies , activities , workshops and refreshments – all free . Or you can just relax and chat or enjoy the peace of the quiet area . The activities will be based around the 5 Ways to Wellbeing which promote good mental and emotional health . If you are struggling with loneliness , weariness , grief or anxiety you will be welcome here .
Thrive are also partnering with Breastfeeding Network Ayrshire to offer a new support drop-in for mums . The group meets on Friday afternoons , so bring your wee one ( s ) and join other mums and peer supporters for chat about all things parenting . 12.30-2pm in the Cottage behind the church .
See www . thrivestewarton . org and on social @ thrivestewarton
Five steps to mental wellbeing
Below are five things that , according to research , can really help to boost our mental wellbeing :
CONNECT
Talk to someone . Connect with the people around you : your family , friends , colleagues and neighbours . Spend time developing these relationships . Check out the Wednesday Wellbeing Cafe
BE ACTIVE
Go to the gym , take a walk , go cycling or play a game of football . Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life . Why not pop along to Walk & Talk on Fridays
KEEP LEARNING
Learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence . So why not sign up for that cooking course , start learning to play a musical instrument , or figure out how to fix your bike ?
GIVE TO OTHERS
Even the smallest act can count , whether it ' s a smile , a thank you or a kind word . Larger acts , such as volunteering can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks .
BE MINDFUL
Be more aware of the present moment , including your thoughts and feelings , your body and the world around you . Some people call this awareness " mindfulness ". It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges .