A social and support group that organises meetups for women who are widowed or live alone and are at risk of social isolation and loneliness have received vital funding from Reach Rushcliffe to continue their meetings.
The ‘Places of Welcome’ group have received the funds from Rushcliffe Borough Council’s project that will assist with the cost of hiring venues, purchasing equipment to help attendees stay in touch digitally and promotion to encourage more to attend.
The group provides participants with an opportunity to meet socially, provide one another with practical advice and also to enjoy activities such as crocheting whilst creating a support network for women who have sadly lost their partner.
The Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change Cllr Abby Brennan met with group organiser Sue Clayton at their meeting in Flintham to find out more about their work and how important the support they provide can be.
She said: “This group is a shining example of why we initiated Reach Rushcliffe, providing support for a group who could be at real risk of social isolation or loneliness.
“It was lovely to meet the group and to see the brilliant items they have been crocheting, including some great teddy bears!
“This is supporting yet another community group that provides essential pillar of part of this area of the Borough to support women in Flintham who may need that extra assistance with reaching out to others.
“The funding awarded will see their support groups continue in different venues in the village as well as purchasing equipment so members can stay in touch digitally and so they can further encourage more to join.
“We would encourage any organisations also looking to reduce social isolation in their part of Rushcliffe to apply for funding through Reach Rushcliffe by visiting www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/reachrushcliffe/.”
Sue added: “We’re delighted to receive this funding from Reach Rushcliffe so we can continue our support meetings and encourage more women from the village and beyond to attend.
“We offer a safe, welcome space for attendees to chat and offer support to others who are in similar situations, whilst also working on different themed activities such as crocheting and poetry.
“We’re currently crocheting hundreds of red, white and blue flowers to decorate the village for the Queen’s jubilee! If anyone is interested in joining, they can contact me by emailing sue.clayton@flintham.parish.email.”
