“Supported and safe”: the impact of our Ditherington Wellbeing Group
19/09/2026
Our Ditherington Wellbeing Group has now been running for two years, with members enjoying a wealth of benefits from finding new hobbies to a reduction in social isolation.
They meet at 10.30am every Monday at Ditherington Community Centre – everyone is welcome and attendance is completely free. They enjoy trips out to various locations in and around Shrewsbury, such as the café at the local Morrisons store, Percy Thrower’s Garden Centre and the Old Market Hall to watch films, as well as walks at The Quarry and Haughmond Hill.
The group has become so close that some of the members also see each other in the week for walks or socialising, and they normally arrange to still meet when co-ordinator Alison is on leave.
To mark the second anniversary of its launch, we asked a handful of attendees about their experience of being part of the group.
Reasons for joining:
Of the nine members who we spoke to about their experiences, three had been attending the group for six months, one for a year, three for 18 months, and two for the entire two years.
Many of them cited wanting to meet new people and make friends as a motivation for joining, with other reasons including:
All of the members said they had concerns around social isolation, confidence and wellbeing prior to joining – and all also agreed that there has been a ‘significant positive impact’ on their wellbeing since beginning to attend the group.
The alternatives to attending would be doing housework, watching television, or simply being home alone.
Value:
When asked what they valued most about being part of the group, the members said:
When asked if they had any additional comments, the members said:
For anyone thinking about joining who might be hesitant about whether they will enjoy it or fit in, the group had a simple message:
“Come along and try it, you will feel supported and safe – everyone is welcome.”
Find out more about the group here.
They meet at 10.30am every Monday at Ditherington Community Centre – everyone is welcome and attendance is completely free. They enjoy trips out to various locations in and around Shrewsbury, such as the café at the local Morrisons store, Percy Thrower’s Garden Centre and the Old Market Hall to watch films, as well as walks at The Quarry and Haughmond Hill.
The group has become so close that some of the members also see each other in the week for walks or socialising, and they normally arrange to still meet when co-ordinator Alison is on leave.
To mark the second anniversary of its launch, we asked a handful of attendees about their experience of being part of the group.
Reasons for joining:
Of the nine members who we spoke to about their experiences, three had been attending the group for six months, one for a year, three for 18 months, and two for the entire two years.
Many of them cited wanting to meet new people and make friends as a motivation for joining, with other reasons including:
- To get out and do new things.
- To combat the loss of my grandchildren emigrating.
- To help with my low mood.
- To get us out of our flat.
All of the members said they had concerns around social isolation, confidence and wellbeing prior to joining – and all also agreed that there has been a ‘significant positive impact’ on their wellbeing since beginning to attend the group.
The alternatives to attending would be doing housework, watching television, or simply being home alone.
Value:
When asked what they valued most about being part of the group, the members said:
- Friendship.
- Inclusivity.
- Support.
- Becoming besties.
- Empowerment.
When asked if they had any additional comments, the members said:
- “Alison is our Mother Hen.”
- “We are looked after.”
- “We have a very friendly lead who works really hard to make every week fun.”
- “I really enjoy getting out on the trips we go on.”
- “Please don’t let it stop.”
- “We really appreciate the group and what is has done for us.”
For anyone thinking about joining who might be hesitant about whether they will enjoy it or fit in, the group had a simple message:
“Come along and try it, you will feel supported and safe – everyone is welcome.”
Find out more about the group here.
