A WEEKLY friendship club in Southampton that launched earlier this year has been successfully helping to combat loneliness and bring generations together (November 2022).
The Woolston Friendship Club, run by St Patrick’s Church and St Patrick’s School in partnership with the charity Communicare, says it has around 25 regular guests spanning all generations.
Tricia Kenyon, Service Development Officer at Communicare, which helps vulnerable and isolated people, said: “The club has been a huge success since it started earlier in the year. It runs every Wednesday from 10.15am-11.30am at St Patrick’s Church Hall and we are starting to see regular attendees, who say it has been a lifeline to them.
“It is an intergenerational club that spans all ages, from a few months to 91 years-of-age. St Patrick’s School often brings along some of its pupils and they really enjoy meeting and socialising with everyone, and vice versa. We even have a new mum and her young baby who come along. She finds it great for getting out of the house.
“During the weekly meet ups, attendees can enjoy cake, friendship and laughter together. People don’t have to be lonely in order to attend, many come along just to meet new people and make a difference in someone else’s life.”
Anyone is welcome to attend and can turn up during term time on a Wednesday at 10.15am.
Shirley May, who attends the club, said: “I was new to Southampton, having moved from Canada. I was introduced to the club by a friend and people have made me feel so welcome.”
Communicare, which is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, provides services that enrich the lives of isolated people in and around Southampton.
Another club attendee, Ita Chinn, said: “The welcome that you get here is outstanding, the people you meet are so friendly and the people who organise it should be put forward for an award.”
Communicare’s services are staffed by its devoted volunteers, known as Communiteers, who give their time freely.
Father Ross Bullock, Parish Priest of the Parishes of Woolston and Netley, said: “It’s wonderful that we are able to offer the Woolston Friendship Club at this time, particularly coming out of the pandemic, where the making of new social connections in a safe space is so important.”
The charity is currently supporting more than 600 individuals/families through tasks including one-to-one telephone befriending and transport for essential appointments and assistance with shopping.
The services Communicare provides are free to users, although beneficiaries are invited to make a donation if they are able to, and Communiteers are offered expenses.
To find out more about Communicare, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk or call 023 8250 0050.
