It has once again been a busy week and one filled with festive activities. On Thursday I visited Holy Trinity School in Lower Beeding where the children treated me to an impromptu carol concert! It was lovely to see how excited the children were for Christmas.
The weekend was once again filled with Christmas fairs, and I enjoyed popping into The Butterfly Project’s Christmas Pop-up Café where there were lots of tasty treats!
Whilst Christmas can be a magical time of year it can also be a challenging time for many. The build up to the “big day” can be stressful and for others it can highlight feelings of loneliness and isolation. It no surprise that for our local Samaritans (celebrating their 50 years in Horsham) the week after Christmas is the busiest time of year.
For those struggling, particularly with feelings of loneliness, there is local help available. Earlier in the year I joined the wonderful “The Conversation Starter Project” on one of their signature walk and talk sessions held in Horsham Park. The walks allow people to connect with others and nature enhancing both physical and emotional wellbeing. They are free and all are welcome. Evidence shows that being outside in nature, walking and talking is beneficial to all parts of our health and I am delighted that these walk and talks are available for local people.
The walk and talk sessions have been a real success and helped many who have been struggling with their emotional wellbeing and new friendships have flourished. The Conversation Starter Project are also collaborating with the Sussex MSK team in Horsham who will be sending a physiotherapist along on their Wednesday walks.
The walk and talk sessions take place on Wednesdays 10am-11am meeting at the Human Nature Garden, Horsham Park and Fridays 12pm-1pm in Southwater meeting by Iggy the Dinosaur in Lintot Square every week, regardless of the weather and will continue throughout the festive period. For anyone feeling a bit overwhelmed by the time of the year or those who feel they would benefit from connecting with others to give the walks a go. More information can be found on The Conversation Starter Project’s Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter.