Newark Friendship Group aims to support lonely and vulnerable people

A Newark group aiming to support those in need of friendship and company is appealing for support.

The Friendship Group is seeking money and donations to support its growing number of attendees.

The group formed during lockdown, when other groups and social activities were cancelled. Members of another group, which was unable to continue after the lockdown, got together and formed their own, to combat loneliness.

John Bachelor, who was part of the group’s creation, said: “It’s for people with anxiety, depression, mental health issues and people who are lonely and want to make new friends.

“Mind (the mental health charity) come every two to three weeks to see if anybody needs any help, and we are trying to get Age UK involved as well.”

The group started with six members and has since grown to 32 with new members continuing to join.

Mr Bachelor said: “What we need now is funding and grants to keep the group going because we know we are going to get a lot more people.

“We know there are a lot of people out there who need help.”

The funding would also help to support the group in it’s plans to create hobby groups within the main group ­— including knitting, music and walking groups.

It is appealing to Newark businesses for donations of novels, puzzle books and instruments to help bring the plans to life.

It also hoping to be able to afford a coach trip to the seaside as some members have not been able to visit for over 20 years.

“Just come in and introduce yourself to us, and we will introduce you to the group ­— we are one big happy family,” Mr Bachelor said.

“Some people come every week, some come every fortnight and some every three weeks.

“We are there for Newark and the Newark community and surrounding areas.”

The group is open to anybody, and meets from 10am to noon every Wednesday at the LetsXcape Together café in the Market Place.