Do you feel alone? Want to be part of something local and do something different?
Kirkstall community organisation Trust Leeds is offering support to women and men who want to become a member of their very own Self-Reliant Groups in Armley, Bramley and Kirkstall to build new friendships and confidence.
Trust Leeds manager Liza Kellett said:
“We’ve been gathering local people who are interested, and we’ve already got six people who’ve signed up. We have a small group in Hawksworth Wood, and they’re looking for new members and it looks like there’s enough interest to start new groups in Bramley, Armley, and Kirkstall.
“With lockdown, winter, and tough times for lots of us in different ways, joining a group of people like you is a great way to build friends, confidence and have a weekly focus. And it works online too.
“Self-Reliant Groups (SRGs) are where people share their ideas, ambitions and skills; save, learn and support each other; have a laugh and make a change in their lives by working together on a community or enterprise project.”
SRG member Sarah from Bramley has found her group a real lifeline. She said:
“Before Coronavirus I was finding it difficult to get out and find my motivation to do things, even with a toddler and a teenager at home.
“But our group The Grow Together Girls in Gipton has been good fun and a lovely way to make real friends and do projects together; we’ve done a car boot sale and ran a Christmas stall last year, doing glitter tattoos and food hampers. I really want to be part of a new group in Bramley too and hope others will join us. It really is for everyone.”
And Leanne from Armley wants more people to join her in setting up a group. She said:
“Our small group is really new and we’re looking for more members. At the moment we’re thinking of crafting, baking or organising local outings together. To me it’s about meeting new friends and doing things together. I am disabled and can’t get around much, so it’s been ideal for me to meet online, but it will be great to actually get out and meet up once we’re able to.”
Groups are open to anyone who is up for meeting weekly, online at the moment.
Trust Leeds can lend out Wi-Fi enabled tablets and help you get started with Zoom, What’sApp or Facebook if that’s not your thing. Groups go at their own pace and are supported by Liza every week until they are ready to take things on themselves.
Members are always part of the SRG family across Leeds and the UK. There are 20 million women, and many men, across the world run their own Self-Reliant Groups.
Contact Liza on 07482874595 or liza@trustleeds.org.uk to chat further and find out more.