The new year can be a difficult time for people, for many different reasons. Health Connections Mendip are starting the year with a flurry of support cafes, so if you’re struggling with loss, retiring, Tinnitus or COPD, read on for more information.Death Cafe
At a Death Cafe people – often strangers – gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death. Anyone is welcome, there is no need to book, just turn up. The session will be held at The Boardroom, From Medical Practice, Frome, BA11 2FH, on Wednesday 24th January 2018. 2.30pm – 4.30pm.Retirement Gateways in Mendip
We read and hear a great deal in the media about planning ahead financially for our retirement and we look forward to a time of leisure and doing what we want with our days. However, little is said about other possible effects of retirement. Nowadays society is geared so much towards working hard and working all hours that it can become all consuming. After the honeymoon period of retirement can come a feeling of loss – loss of a role, loss of regular contact with friends at work and loss of structure. In response to this, community members and Health Connections Mendip have set up a Retirement Gateway where people who have retired can meet others in a similar situation.
For some people, it might just be an opportunity to make new friends; others might want to find out how they can get more involved in the local community.
The first session in Shepton Mallet takes place on Thursday 1 February from 10am to 12noon at The Treatment Centre, Old Wells Road, Shepton Mallet BA4 4LP. Just turn up at 10am, there’s no need to book a place.
Frome will have their second meeting on Tuesday 6 February from 10am to 12noon at Frome Medical Centre and West Mendip will be holding their first meeting on Tuesday 22 May at Tor Leisure Centre.
To find out more or to get involved contact Health Connections Mendip on 01373-468368 mendip.healthconnections@nhs.netBritish Tinnitus Association to visit Frome
The Frome Area Hearing Support Café is a friendly group where people can meet others who are in a similar situation, over a cup of tea. Every month DeafPlus and other voluntary organisations are on hand to offer support on hearing issues and equipment if needed. At the February meeting, Tinnitus UK will be giving a talk and will be there to chat to people after the talk. Colette Bunker, Volunteering and Support Groups Manager says:
“Tinnitus is defined as the experience of sounds with no external source, most commonly ringing or buzzing, but sometimes experienced as whooshing, clicking or even music. Many people aren’t troubled by sounds they hear, but for around 10%, the condition has a significant impact on their quality of life, often linked to stress, anxiety or sometimes depression. The British Tinnitus Association are an independent charity supporting thousands of people who experience tinnitus and we are the primary source of support and information for people with tinnitus in the UK, facilitating an improved quality of life. While attending the Hearing Support Café I look forward to speaking with people about current research, tinnitus management techniques and prevention methods.”
To come and hear British Tinnitus Association there is no need to book, just turn up at the next Hearing Support Café on Feb 1st 9.30-11.30am at Frome Medical Practice in the Boardroom. Tinnitus UK will be talking at 10am. If you would like to find out more about the monthly Hearing Support Cafe, contact Health Connections Mendip on 01373-468368. If you would like to contact The British Tinnitus Association visit, www.tinnitus.org.uk or call their helpline on 0800 018 0527Dorothy House Support Local COPD Group with an information session on self-management
Frome’s very popular local support group for people with COPD has been running for nearly three years. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the name for a collection of lung diseases including bronchitis and emphysema. The Frome COPD support group offers an opportunity for those with experience of the condition to share their knowledge and to support each other. Its next monthly meeting is on Wednesday 7th Feb from 10.30 am to 12.00 pm at the Frome Medical Practice. No need to book just turn up. Karen Tudge, Therapies Team Manager of Dorothy House Hospice Care will be attending the February group to talk about Breathlessness.
“Our non pharmacological treatment of breathlessness session will introduce you to our innovative breathlessness ‘toolbox’. This includes a range of techniques – including acupressure and our ‘Calming Hand’. The techniques we will demonstrate are also used as self help techniques.”
For further information about the COPD peer support group, please contact Health Connections Mendip on 01373-468368.
