Support sessions aim to safeguard elderly mental health

Online group safeguards residents’ mental health.

A new online support service aims to safeguard the mental health and wellbeing of elderly Erdington residents during the coronavirus lockdown.

The weekly support group sessions, delivered by Witton Lodge Community Association, are tailored to provide engagement and encourage positive coping mechanisms for people who are isolated and vulnerable as a result of the pandemic.

Held every Tuesday from 3-4pm using video conferencing tool Zoom, participants are invited to share their stories and experiences with each other to boost their sense of community and connection. Each session carries a particular theme with content supplied and delivered by qualified physiotherapist Sonia Kumar. Topics include sleep hygiene, diet and exercise.

Wellbeing Officer at Witton Lodge, Fauzia Begum, believes that the weekly meetings are crucial in helping people to cope with current circumstances.

“The impact of COVID-19 is something which affects us all but for the elderly and vulnerable – particularly those people with underlying health conditions – the consequences can be devastating,” she said.

“For someone who is suffering the effects of poor health and living in isolation, time spent in the company of others can make such a positive difference. Our support group is to help people cope with life during the lockdown and encourage them to undertake activities which can boost their mental and physical wellbeing.”

People can take part in the weekly sessions by logging onto Zoom here

Upcoming sessions include:

26th May: Sleep Hygiene

2nd June: Osteoarthritis

9th June: Osteoporosis

16th June: Persistent widespread pain.

23rd June: Diet and exercise