Health and Well-being
Wiston Church and Community Hub are committed to improving the lives and the health and well-being of people living in our community. In January 2019 the church held a public meeting to engage with the wider community to scope interest in increasing the use of the church as a community resource. This was followed by a meeting in Clarbeston Road organised by PLANED to find out what people living in Wiston, Clarbeston Road, Clarbeston and Walton East would like to happen in their community in the future. On both occasions there was a great deal of enthusiasm and support for developing a community hub with Wiston church at its centre. Following on from this regular meetings have been made to arrange activities and a Facebook page has been created.
It is generally accepted that being part of a community and actively engaging with others is good for our health and well-being. Dr Rob Walker, a consultant psychiatrist and director of “The Mind and Soul Foundation”, states that mental illness can be a lonely experience, so having supportive family and friends is vital. Pastoral care in churches can be excellent. (Church Times May 2018). A weekly drop in chat with free coffee in church has proved very popular. On average 15 people attend, of whom many are not regular church attendees. For some people who rarely see anyone for the rest of the week it is proving to be a lifeline. The Drop In is every Thursday 11.00am to 12.30pm.
The Head of Advice and Information at Rethink Mental Illness, Laura Peter, says “caring for someone with a condition can put a strain on your own mental well-being so community support provided by churches can play an important role…..the act of taking the time to stop and listen and even having a chat over a cup of tea can provide a brief break. “
Engaging in religious practices can substantially contribute to physical and mental health. Regular religious practice lessens depression, promotes self-esteem and builds familial and mental happiness. (marripedia.org). Further help is available from The Diocesan helpline at [email protected], tel. no: 08001214722. The DPJ Foundation a charity aiming to reduce the incidence of suicide in the farming community. Support is available by phoning 08005874262 or by texting 07860048799.
Corin Pilling, Director for community engagement at the charity Liveability, says that the community aspect of being involved in a church can play a potentially crucial part in people’s hopes for recovery. But if churches are to be as helpful as possible they will need to move beyond just Sunday services and provide additional ways of making meaningful relationships. (Church Times May 2018).
The Wiston Community Hub strives to reach out to lonely people in our area. Age UK published statistics in 2016 showing that half a million older people go at least five or six days without seeing or speaking to anyone at all. Loneliness, living alone and poor social connections are as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigs a day. (Holt -instad). In many rural areas the only buildings available (if any) which enable local people to meet socially and/or provide community activities are pubs, village halls and church buildings. Often church members have good links with the wider community and along with other residents, can be a lifeline to identify and support those with limited mobility. (Germinate helping rural churches and communities flourish).
Music has always been a vital part of the worship in Wiston. Listening to music and being involved in making music are known to be hugely beneficial to general well-being. The church has a choir which is always looking for fresh members. Tempus Vocal Group and a Youth ensemble meet to rehearse in the church. Regular concerts are held in the church. Several new initiatives have already been introduced including a weekly drop in coffee morning, a community walking group and a gardening group. Details of all events are available on Wiston Community Hub Facebook page.(click here) Once the proposed renovations have been completed and we have a toilet and a kitchen we will be able to provide a venue for many more activities and opportunities for community engagement.
Clarbeston Road Memorial Hall provides a venue for individuals to hold exercise classes, craft events, concerts, private hire etc.
Slimming World hold a weekly meeting in the hall. (Click here).
Clarbeston Road Memorial Hall Facebook page details all events.(Click here for Facebook page)
Clarbeston Road AmateurFootball Club
is very active and popular with all ages.
(click here for their website)