‘Fun and Enjoyable, ‘A place to come and feel safe’, ‘Friendly’, ‘A place I feel comfortable to talk’, ‘No judgment’ and ‘Opportunity to try new things’…

When Womanuel started at the beginning of 2018, the Wellbeing Support Team who are responsible for organising and running the project, could never have dreamed of feedback and comments from participants such as this. But this week, six months on, it’s clear to see that the Lottery-funded project, partly facilitated by Nonsuch, is not only a success, but has also had a fantastic impact on the lives of those involved.

Initial participation concerns of it ‘being too much like a support group focusing on problems’ were soon alleviated, where the sessions that have been described by the same skeptical participants as ‘relaxed’, ‘a home from home’ and a friendly atmosphere where you are free to talk about what you want’.

The group has taken part in many activities including tea blending, hand massages, performance sessions, gallery visits, relaxation techniques and sewing, along with tackling isolation and confidence issues within the group in a safe and trusted environment. Even though the group is scheduled to meet every Thursday, there are mid-week meet ups outside of the group where they meet as friends and visit their new-found friendly galleries, shops and cafes.

Walking into one of the weekly sessions provides more feedback than any report or study on the group could, because it’s clear to see that what has been developed is a community and family of women who are free to be who they want to be and will be supported by their new-found circle of friends. And long may it continue!

If you would like to help support the Womanuel Group or are interested in providing one of the weekly activities, please get in touch today.