Page 24 - Community Living Magazine 35-3

mental health
Screen fatigue? Let’s get personal

As we leave behind the social distancing rules imposed by the
pandemic, Helen Guest notes a definite feeling of screen Meeting at the hall every month, it
was really good to see everyone and
fatigue as people are eager to meet up in real life again talk about things, and have coffee
and biscuits.
I liked hearing new people talk to
work for the award-winning Pro-Active interaction in a safe and supported space us about different things like the
Community (PAC), a charity for has always been a priority for the PAC – a environment and climate change. I
I vulnerable adults. While it was lively and determined group of supported miss being together but Zoom
registered in 2020, it was established people who want to make a difference, meetings mean I still see people and
before then with the support of Active but for them, by them – not what others don’t feel so alone.
Prospects, another award-winning charity, think is needed but what they truly want. Michael McLachlan
which provides support and housing for From campaigning at local and
vulnerable adults and is based in Surrey. government levels about disability rights The disappointment
While social to hosting fundraising proved how much everyone
media and of course Phyllis said she has never Bake Off events and was looking forward to being
Zoom have played played bowling before and she highlighting climate change, together and to seeing people they had
such a major part in has thoroughly enjoyed herself everyone has in common a not been able to for most of the year.
enabling people to and even won the first game. drive for equity while However, trips to the bowling alley in
remain connected Service manager enjoying the accessible smaller groups were possible. The level of
over the past two Woodview, Caterham and inclusive nature in enjoyment and the feedback from the
years, the challenge which it is organised. people who took part demonstrated very
is now on to ensure The clearly the benefits of meeting face to face.
the “screen fatigue” The groups where we meet opportunity Everyone is welcome to join Pro-Active
that is setting in up mean I’m not lonely, which to be back Community meetings at https://www.
doesn’t hijack I am if I can’t be in the groups. together in facebook.com/ProActiveComm n
that important link. Leah Hickson person is l www.proactivecommunity.org.uk
For adults with a physical or ever closer. l https://activeprospects.org.uk
learning disability, autism, acquired The PAC has a
brain injury or mental health needs, subgroup, the
remaining connected during the Surrey People’s Group, made up of people I like being part of the Pro-Active
pandemic was more critical than ever across the county who meet once a Community, I was the chair last two
before. The fear of isolation and, for month; this is facilitated in partnership years, I like the friends and seeing
many, the difficulty of overcoming with Surrey County Council. everyone, I miss seeing everyone
loneliness, have been very real. The group have maintained their together. It’s alright on Zoom, support
The necessity to provide social meetings via Zoom, continuing the staff can help me, or I can do it, it’s
connection through the pandemic, and better face to face, I like together.
have included guest speakers on subjects I was down and depressed in
I am co-chair of the Pro-Active such as adult safeguarding, online/ lockdown and wanted to see people,
Community, I manage the Facebook cybersecurity, safe banking and money so the groups were good to do
page and I miss being face to face, I management through to mental health activities, making things, going to the
like seeing people I haven’t seen for and wellbeing. theatre and Wakehurst Gardens.
ages, and all your friends. The PAC had arranged for a 100-guest It gave me confidence talking in
It’s nice to all get together to be gathering to celebrate Christmas which, front of people and on stage
part of a group again since the last sadly, had to be postponed due to Covid. sometimes in big audiences, I like
lockdown in 2020. It is fantastic, means public speaking as well. At the
a very lot to me, I can say Learning Disability England
my voice and we can work Conference I signed and talked to
in a team to organise some everyone on Zoom
activities and things what Elizabeth Wheeler
we do all together. It makes
me feel positive and I feel
proud actually that I am
the co-chair. Helen Guest is the active living
Matthew Leadbeater manager at Active Prospects and
Pro-Active Community facilitator

All together now: Pro-Active Community
members enjoy meeting up in person again
24 Vol 35 No 3 | Spring 2022 Community Living www.cl-initiatives.co.uk