The BWP Wellbeing Project

This group uses literature as a way to reduce isolation and bring women together. Using it to start conversations, expand on these and learn from and about each other in a safe environment.

By just opening a book and picking out a sentence can immediately connect with others, one example of this ‘Butterscotch Angel Delight’, what does this mean to you? It is surprising how many different stories and memories this one statement resonates with people.

The group is run by trained Reading Friends facilitators. Currently the sessions are run via zoom, but once Covid restrictions allow they will be held at Eastwood, Stapleford and Beeston Library.

Run by trained walk leaders, who will plan and assess the walks prior to them being carried out.

It is proven that exercise helps wellbeing both mentally and physically. The NHS recommend that an adult does 150 minutes a week and walking is a great way to do this. It is free, can be done any time and you don’t need to buy any fancy equipment to do it.

Due to Covid restrictions the walks have recently not been able to take place but they are now being planned for the new year with groups of six women initially as governed by the Covid guidelines.

In the school holidays there are planned buggy walks using themes, such as the book ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.

“When I first heard about the wellbeing group I thought “why not?”, but then my anxiety kicked in thinking “what on earth could I bring to the group?”

I remember telling Justine (the outreach officer who supports the Wellbeing Project) that I wasn’t sure if I could bring anything to the group.

I persevered with starting this group and I remember my heart pounding speaking up, worrying what others would think of my ideas – what if they are “too out there” what if my ideas sound silly, well the Very FIRST session all of my Anxieties were put at bay. I shot ideas out, bouncing off the other ladies. I started thinking ok – maybe I can bring something to the group.

Everyone was very welcoming, the atmosphere even doing the session virtually was great! It felt like an instant family.

As the Months have gone on some of those very first ideas I put out there have now become a reality with the input of everyone in the group.

There is a sense of belonging, accomplishment. Its very rewarding.

Part of the reason I first joined the wellbeing group is because I had just finished the freedom programme and was worried how I would cope just ending all support. (Not that it ever really ends with BWP)

Now I absolutely love the wellbeing group, to see some of the amazing achievements we have already made. The ideas that are always coming up.

I’ve had lots of opportunities to write pieces in which one has ended up being out into a book! That would never have happened if I hadn’t have joined BWP as it was something I actually wrote for a project we were doing at the time.

I never would have thought anything I wrote would be of any interest to others but the wellbeing group and support has given me the confidence to go for it.

Overall although I had my reservations about the wellbeing group to begin with I would be lost without it now. The group is all about us, what we would like to do/see. There is absolutely no pressure and every women there is ready to help uplift each other.

Its really is an amazing group that I am so grateful to be apart of.”