Today is what’s known as Blue Monday – allegedly the most depressing day of the year, and the day when people are statistically most likely to give up on their New Year’s Resolutions. The weather is thoroughly miserable and the leftover Christmas food has all been eaten.
What a lovely note to start this newsletter on, eh…
So I thought I’d share something I came across the other week that made me smile, in the hope that it might help others to find people to smile with too.
I discovered that the Women’s Institute, or WI, of jam and Jerusalem fame, have started up a series of Virtual WI groups for those who’d like to join the organisation, but who maybe don’t have a group in their area, or aren’t able to leave the house to get to a monthly meeting because of limited mobility or caregiver responsibilities.
These virtual groups instead hold a videocall at a specific time once a month, where members can chat and catch up, as well as learn new skills like cyber security or tartan making (to name but two). Some members have called it a real “lifeline”, and built strong friendships despite never having met in person.
You can have a look at the list of different groups here – I particularly enjoy the idea of the “Sassie Lassies” and the “Blooming Zoomers”…
And for the gentlemen, not to worry, I haven’t forgotten about you! If you’re able to get to meetings in person, there are branches of Andy’s Man Club and UK Men’s Sheds Association all over the country.
Or if you’re not wanting or able to go out to a meeting, and would rather have a virtual meeting from the comfort of your own armchair, The ManKind Project have free online connection groups that you can join, and an organisation called Men Who Talk offers online groups that you can sign up to.
Right, I’m off to cheer myself up by watching Calendar Girls. Toodaloo!