Community initiative offers space to tackle loneliness

A weekly scheme is bringing people together in Melksham to help tackle loneliness and give anyone who feels isolated a chance to chat.

Empty Chairs, a national initiative, invites people to meet in familiar local places and connect with others.

Becka Bristow brought the initiative to Melksham six months ago, drawing on her own experience of loneliness and her belief that nobody should have to face difficulties alone.

She hosts the free sessions at The Kings Arms in the Market Place on Thursdays during term time, from 10am to 11.30am.

 

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“I’ve felt alone and I understand,” she said. “Come along and have a chat.”

There is no set agenda, with the group offering a relaxed space for people to have a coffee, chat and find company without any pressure to take part in organised activities.

Becka also runs a mindfulness session in the pub’s Coach House from 11.30am on Thursdays, offering relaxation and tension-release exercises. As a qualified therapist and owner of The Third Step, she says she draws on her experience in the sessions.

She said, “I use my skills and experience in a group setting to offer mindfulness, relaxation or tension release exercises for people either trying it for the first time, or simply because life is busy and stressful and they are able to find a bit of time to give back to themselves.”

The mindfulness sessions are also free, with donations welcomed. No advance booking is required for either session.

Becka also supports other organisations working to reduce loneliness, including Best Mates, Man Down and Re-engage, where she makes weekly telephone calls to an older woman.

She also recently published a book, Nowhere Felt Like Home, aimed at offering reflection for anyone who has ever felt like they don’t quite belong.

She said, “Nobody should ever have to struggle alone, there is always a solution or support out there.”

To find out more, email Becka at becka@thethirdstep.net.