Helping Combat Loneliness

A LEIGH group has attracted nearly 400 members after a woman turned her own experience of adult loneliness into a thriving new social club.
Leigh resident Suzi Welch launched the “Tuesday Club” earlier this year after realising that there were many adults who felt increasingly disconnected in the modern world.
She said: “I started to notice that socialising was getting harder as I got older. Friendships fade or people move away, other priorities take over, and suddenly I found myself feeling quite lonely.”
The club, which also supports local businesses by meeting across a range of venues, now hosts monthly events across Leigh, featuring quizzes, games, workshops and talks.
With the meet ups regularly fully booked, demand has continued to grow, with additional sessions added to meet interest.
Attendees have praised the atmosphere, with one describing it as “the best fun they’ve had in years,” and newcomers often say they arrive nervous but leave with “huge smiles on their faces.”
Ms Welch’s group is one amongst a number of social initiatives started by residents, to meet a growing need for wider connection and friendship.
The Mingles Group, newly launched in Benfleet, has also seen large numbers responding to the call out, designed to bring people together in later life.
The group meets on the last Wednesday of every month at 7pm at the Benfleet Conservative Club, with the aim of creating an inclusive environment where over-60s can build new friendships, enjoy shared experiences and stay socially connected.
After just three sessions, the organiser of the group says she had been “overjoyed” by the response.
“Many new members just come along. Some openly admit they felt naturally very nervous, but once they feel relaxed, they enjoy the convivial atmosphere and most definitely look forward to the next meet up!” she said.
Around 40 per cent of adults are thought to experience loneliness, now widely recognised as a public health concern. With reasons as varied as remote working, busy schedules, or major life changes.
More information can be found on social media @tuesdayclubsocials.
Picture: A session at Rad-on-Sea. Pic Suzi Welch
Read more
Visit: https://leigh-on-sea.news
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leighonsea.news
X : @leighonsea_news
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leighonsea.news
Contact us: https://leigh-on-sea.news/contact-us
Email: [email protected]