Community / First meeting of social group a ‘great success’
THE ORGANISER of a new group designed to bring people together for a hot drink and a chat says he is “delighted” at how its first meeting went.
More than 20 people turned up to the first meeting of Ian Walterson’s ‘Sunshine Club’ at the TA Hall in Lerwick on Saturday.
Two further meetings have now been scheduled at the Staney Hill Hall in Lerwick. They will take place on 13 and 27 April – both Wednesdays – between 6pm and 8pm, and they are open to all.
Walterson, an army veteran, set up the group in a bid to bring people together who may be feeling lonely in the Covid pandemic and the winter months.
The premise behind the group is a “cuppa and a chat” in an informal setting.
“I’m delighted that we had over 20 people along on our first session,” Walterson said.
“Many said that it was just what they were needing and that they found it helpful.
“There was even one person who said they’d been asked by a health professional to come along, and I’m pleased to see that we seem to have connected with a social need.”
Walterson said there were lots of discussions about how to take the group forward and different times and locations are under consideration.
“I’d like to emphasise that club isn’t just for ex-military personnel – it’s for people of all ages and we’d be happy to see anyone who fancies a cuppa and a chat.”
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