Friends group has been a godsend

After Jen McLean’s husband John passed away six years ago, the seemingly endless days stretched out in front of her.

Her daughter, Wilma Wheeler, of Wishaw, calls in each morning to help Jen dress and each evening to prepare her meals and get her ready for bed.

But in the times in between, Jen felt lonely and isolated.

That was until she became involved with Shotts and Wishaw Friends Together (SWFT).

Led by project manager, Christine McNally, the five-strong team provides an extensive programme of activities within the former Calderhead High School building,

SWFT is best known for its successful befriending service in which a befriender works with clients aged over 55 to build their social network, leading to more independence.

Other services include telephone befriending, home visiting, tea and bingo, Stitch in Time, Caring Matters, men shed and a walking group.

“You have no idea how much mum looks forward to it,”said Wilma, 59.

“She does her hair and puts her makeup on. When the weather was bad recently and she couldn’t go, she was really down in the dumps.”

At the project, great gran Jen, 84, has a three-course lunch and dinner, chats with new friends and goes on weekly outings to Clydeside garden centres.

Wilma has also started to attend the project’s weekly arts and crafts group to help her overcome confidence issues.

“It has given mum a new lease of life,”says Wilma.

For more information or to make a referral contact Christine on 01501 825800.

When the weather was bad recently and she couldn’t go, she was really down in the dumps