Can you beat that?
“L O N E
L I N E
S S” !!
The Pandemic before the Pandemic – One of the biggest
challenges of or time!
I believe that loneliness is inside very human being from
the moment we are born. It is as though
we have a treasure chest full of emotions – love, fear, anger, sadness, joy and
of course loneliness.
As we go through life any one of these emotions can be triggered
at any time through circumstances beyond our control.
Loneliness can be experienced because of bereavement and
often from cruel actions or words from other people and can become all-consuming
and quite overwhelming.
In my own life I have been vulnerable to severe loneliness
due to the loss of my Daughter at an early age and my Wife more recently.
With the background I was in a prime position to feel
desperate loneliness as soon as it appeared.
I had to work very hard to get myself back on track to deal
with this terrible “intruder”.
From the outside nobody would have known the enormity of the
loneliness I suffered within from other people’s actions or unkind words.
But there comes a time in all our lives when we have to face
our world as it is and not as we would wish it to be.
So, with this second Pandemic threatening to exacerbate our existing
loneliness it is important to deal with our lives and each other in a positive
and profound way.
Show gratitude to others who care – slow down – respect each
other as human beings – chat more – smile more – as Spike Milligan once said in
a poem:
If you feel a smile
begin
Don’t leave it
undetected
Start an epidemic
And get the World
infected!
Roy Payton
September 2020
When
you wake in the morning think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive
–
to breathe – to think – to enjoy – to love
20/4/2023 – LOCAL CARE HOME PRESENTS CHEQUE TO LOCAL CHARITY
Mortain Place Care Home in Eastbourne recently presented Just Friends Charity with a cheque for £1100 towards an excursion programme for the members of this charity combating the effects of loneliness for those living alone.
The grant had been awarded by Barchester’s Charitable Foundation, a charity that helps older people and adults with a disability or mental health problems across England, Scotland and Wales by offering grants to help people connect or re-connect with others in their local community.
The care home welcomed Mortain Place Care Home to a gathering at the home to receive the cheque and celebrate being awarded the grant. Frederick, Chairman of the charity, said “This grant means so much to the charity as it will assist with the many events that we put together for the lonely, it is so appreciated.” Catherine Brewster, General Manager at Mortain Place Care Home, said: “We are always keen to show as much support as we can to local charities.”
JUST FRIENDS members from all branches at the Coronation lunch, 7th May 2023
JUST FRIENDS members from all branches at the 5th Anniversay Lunch on St.George’s Day, 23rd April ’23
JUST FRIENDS members from Eastbourne and Newhaven on their Bluebell Railway trip
JUST FRIENDS members from Eastbourne, Bexhill and Newhaven enjoying the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations at Bannatynes, Hastings
Some testimonials from our members across the branches.
Wonderful life changes as I was lonely, and brought me out of myself meeting nice people. – Margarita
Just Friends has helped me extend my outlook. It’s made me realise about living alone. I am not the only one!! – Ronnie
I have just joined Just Friends following the loss of my partner. It gives me that life will get better with the friendship of the members. – Peter
On moving to Bexhill from Andorra, it was so nice to join Just Friends and meet such friendly people. Keep up the good work. – Sylvia
No need to be alone when there’s Just Friends. – M
Just Friends is a lovely club for people on their own. Weekly meetings, days out, walking, meals out. Best thing I’ve ever done. It has changed my life. – Audry
Everyone is very friendly. – Sheila
After a recommendation, I joined Just Friends in November 2021 and I would further recommend anybody who enjoys social chats and meals as there are trips and events for everyone. – Laurie
When my husband died I was determined not to “fade away” and I joined Just Friends. I have met some really nice people who have saved me from total boredom. Thank you so much. – Pat
I have been a member of Just Friends for some time. It is friendly and welcoming. I have met several new friends and really enjoy the meetings and activities. – Pam
I am so pleased that I joined Just Friends. As a result I have made some very good friends. Everybody is very friendly and welcoming. It is one of the best things I have done. – Kay
Just Friends has been a “delight” and it is all down to Frederick who started all our clubs. Come and try us. You will be welcomed. – Jeannie
Due to being a widower and Covid, my social life had gone down the drain. But since joining Just Friends my social life is now on the up & up and I am so grateful to Just Friends. – Mike
Dear Frederick, thank you for inviting me into the ‘Just Friends’ family. I think the group has saved my sanity. – Jenny xx
