During Covid-19, loneliness and mental issues have certainly increased. Feeling alone, isolated and unsure about the future is extremely common and concerning. Humans need each other to talk, to share and love each other. It may seem obvious, but relationships do matter and they do help people to cope and indeed enjoy life.
Before and after Covid-19, relationships have been under very strong endemic pressures. The internet, television, busy work schedules, family breakdowns etc have all undermined communities coming together. For far too many people, being part of a dynamic community is not a seen as a priority but as an ‘add on’ or when time permits. They are wrong! Like a well-functioning machine that needs oil, we humans need to be part of a community if we are to be healthy in mind, spirit and health. If we do not maintain and lubricate our people connections, we will deteriorate and squander our hope for a better future. Unfortunately, large numbers of people are ‘locked’ into their present way of living and can’t see a way out.
As the reader of this blog, you will have guessed that I am a firm believer in active communities. I am an active member of two very sociable and rewarding community groups; Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club and Sutton Catenians. I meet people of all ages and from various backgrounds on a very regular basis getting to know them and enjoying their company. The one community is based on a sport, whilst the other is based on a shared belief in Christianity and its central tenet of loving one’s neighbours. Sutton Catenians is a fellowship which does try to look after each other. It is also a fun organisation that recognises the need for people to have escapes from the pressures of life. It is a Catholic organisation but it is very inclusive and is very welcoming to people who want to make new friends. We facilitate ways for people to meet, discuss and play.
I urge anyone reading this to meet the friends you never knew you had.
Sutton Coldfield Catenian Circle 232 