I recently received this lovely letter from one of our new Group Social Support clients on the Out and About programme she experiences each week.. She has allowed me to print it here and let you know what she has experienced with our service.
Dear Alan,
Replying to your request for feedback about services I am getting from "Out and About".
I am new to the area having to leave our home, being a camp on an opal mining claim for 27 years, with health being the reason. Since being here I have been my husbands sole carer. While able to get my husband into the van, I was able to manage but that of course didn't last long. Anglicare have been wonderful and without their help I dont know what I would have done. To cut a long story short....
My husband of 67 years passed away. The end of my world had come!
I could't talk, wouldn't leave the house. I just sat and cried and cried!
After 3 months of just wanting to die, my sons had had enough of me! Then along came "Out and About". No way!
I had no friends here, left then all at the Ridge! At this stage we had been here for three and a half years. The only people I had any contact with were the Chemist, Doctors, Hospital, IGA and Vinnies.
The thought of mixing with a group of OLD people, going to clubs, hotels and on other outings just wasn't on my death wish!!
Well of course, under pressure the first trip was organised! Of course the rest is history.
The lass who helped me into the bus was Cathy and she told me it was her first day and she was as nervous as me, but it was the best thing that happened to me!
With the bus full of all these OLD people, this was the first of my weekly social outings.
I get picked up right at my door, different places, wonderful stops, morning teas, hotels,and clubs for lunches (Still haven't found one who can cook real Fish and Chips! Having had a Fish and Chip shop on Manly Beach for 27 years, perhaps I am set in my ways about how REAL Fish and Chips should be cooked!)
They never stop planning our trips. Honestly, can't tell you how they mother us! It's like we are their parents (or children!)
It makes me feel ashamed I don't do anything to help them!
My Tuesday outings are my only social life and gives me something to look forward to. It's like we are all one big family. All the girls are so thoughtful and the drivers know all the special little hideaways to make every trip special.
My two sons live in Batemans Bay and check only that "I'm still with it"! I'm sure such has been my mental state.
I was very isolated here. No friends and nothing to go out for. Going out with them for coffee made no sense, can have coffee at home.
I am now socially independent, part of a wonderful family. I have gone out more in 3 months than ever. Never had heard of 'Out and About' but sure do now.
I thank you all again. What would life be worth for us oldies without these wonderful volunteers. They sure make these oldies are very happy.
SC
Why not join SC and her friends on one of these outings.
Call Eurobodalla Meals on Wheels on 4474 4464 and discuss what we could do for you.