A NEW weekly session is being started up in Tavistock for people who are feeling the stresses and strains of everyday life.
The charity Rethink says for many people, these stresses and strains are there to be borne.
Some times of the year, especially Christmas, or events in our life such as the death of relatives and friends, divorce, even buying your first house are more stressful than others, but are to be dealt with.
Equally, some people see social isolation as part and parcel of growing old. To a certain extent this is typical of the stoic nature of our society, whereby we 'knuckle down, pull our socks up, and don't talk about it.'
Not only is this approach unnecessary, says Rethink, it can often be detrimental to our own wellbeing.
Concerns over money, arguments at work or home, etc, can start with insomnia and develop into a downward spiral.
Many people counter this quite successfully at some stage of the process. But for others, having someone to turn to, be it for mutual support and/or a chat, to get guidance on what resources and facilities exist locally, allows them to retake control of their own situation.
In response to this need, from January 22, there will be a new facility available for people interested or involved in promoting, maintaining, or supporting their own or another's mental wellbeing.
Based on an idea already running in Totnes, SAMS (Signposting and Mutual Support) is a weekly session where anyone, of whatever age, can drop by, meet likeminded people, and socialise within a friendly and easy going atmosphere.
Facilities include pool, table football, computers and video games, and refreshments, and there is plenty of advice and literature on what local organisations can offer.
Tavistock SAMS will be held on Thursdays, 2 – 4.30 pm, at the Tavistock Youth Café at Pixon Lane, and staffed by a Rethink worker and volunteer.
It is hoped that people will see this as a local facility rather like the local library or CAB.