Friendship and friendliness
It was the International Day of Friendship a short while ago – a day dedicated to promoting friendship and fostering understanding between people, cultures, and countries. It was a reminder that through friendship we can create a more compassionate and united world.
At an individual level too, we know that friendship is good for our own health. A recently published study by Pezirkianidis and colleagues, pulling together evidence published in peer reviewed academic journals, confirmed that adult friendship was found to predict, or at least be positively correlated with, wellbeing (link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36760434/). In particular, friendship is a crucial element in protecting our mental health, as our friends can keep us grounded, help us get things in perspective, and help us manage life’s problems. Friendship has also been reported to protect physical health and promote longer lives (link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26729882/).
So, when we spend quality time with friends or participate in (or organise) community events that promote friendship and solidarity with others, it is likely to be good for our own, and others’ wellbeing. There are many opportunities in Wedmore and surrounding areas that can promote friendships. Just take a look at the recently distributed Isle of Wedmore Directory for information about the range of clubs and organisations available.
But it is not just friendships that are important for our wellbeing. Friendliness – being pleasant and kind to each other – is vitally important too. We could probably rattle off descriptions of eco-friendly products, child-friendly activities or age-friendly communities, but friendliness need not be restricted to artificial categories such as this. Friendly people are considerate and inclusive, showing respect for others’ differences and opinions, and with a sense of equality and mutual respect in their interactions. When I first moved to Wedmore a few years ago, the village was repeatedly described to me as being a ‘friendly village’, where people were pleasant and kind to each other, acknowledged passersby, and were helpful towards, and thoughtful about, others in the community. It certainly boosted my own sense of wellbeing and ease of settling in when people met me with a smile and a friendly ‘hello’ whether I knew them or not.
Friendliness extended to people feeling isolated or lonely can make a huge difference to their wellbeing, helping them to feel valued and supported within our community. So, let’s big it up for continuing as a village to be friendly! While some people may not have extensive friendship networks to sustain them, we can all contribute to our own, and other’s wellbeing, by remembering that being friendly matters.
Support for people with dementia and their carers in Wedmore
Carer’s Group
Do you care for or support a person living with dementia? Then this friendly informative group is for you! Come along on the first Friday of the month to The Swan Hotel, Wedmore between 10am and 12md. If you want to find out more about the Memories Workshops and Carers’ Group, phone HeadsUp on 01749 670667 or email wedmorecarers@yahoo.com If you need help with funding, just ask, help may be available.
Coffee and a Chat
For general support with mental wellbeing Somewhere House, a charity based in Burnham, visits The Bluebird Café in Wedmore on the first Wednesday of the month, from 10-12md. They offer an opportunity to meet and chat. For more information contact them on 01278 780769
Pauline Heslop
Wedmore Health & Wellbeing Project
01934 806266