Through joining Chat Central, a firm friendship was forged for Jo and Julie. In conversation with our Chat Central Engagement Officer, Celia Monaghan, Jo and Julie shared the story of their friendship. They wryly subtitle the story as the tale of ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’.
Jo and Julie first met at a Chat Central session in 2023 and since then have become close friends who continue to support each other through tough times but who are now finding lots to celebrate together too. Before Chat Central, Julie described herself as feeling very lonely and at an all-time low with her mental health. Her social prescriber suggested finding a group to join and after speaking to VAC’s Engagement Officer, Julie prepared for her first session:
“I remember feeling very anxious and visited with my social prescriber first so that I knew what to expect. My first session was a walk: I put on my ‘big girl pants’ walked with the group. Everyone soon made me feel relaxed. It was great being with like-minded people.”
Jo too described feeling very low and lonely following her divorce. Having searched for friendship groups she found Chat Central online and nervously called the Engagement Officer who helped to put her at ease and encouraged her to join a board games session. “I felt so nervous going to places on my own and was anxious about the unknown, but it was a very friendly group. After the first couple of sessions, it became something to look forward to and it really helped knowing that there were other people in a similar position to me.”
Julie takes up her story again, saying “Each time I went I grew in confidence. I felt like I belonged, even if people weren’t the same as me and had different reasons for being there. I enjoyed talking to and meeting other people. I’ve met so many people through Chat Central from all backgrounds.”
In the months that followed Julie and Jo enjoyed a range of activities including arts and crafts, writing limericks, going on walks, dancing, yoga, darts, pool, canoeing and songwriting.
Pictured here a selection of typical Chat Centra; activities, including outings to play pool, a celebratory tea party, serving drinks together at the Jingle Mingle and a crafting session.
As their confidence grew both Julie and Jo made the transition from Chat Central participants to Chat Central volunteers. Julie became the Games Session Leader and explained, “It’s been a fabulous experience. It felt good to be giving something back. I’ve been on the outside so often, it’s great to reach out and help others. Helping them, helps me! It feeds my soul!”
Jo, who became our fabulous refreshments volunteer and welcomes everyone with a smile and a drink agreed, adding, “It gives me a sense of purpose. It’s nice to give something back. It helps me to be more outgoing and confident. My self-worth was at an all-time low but now I have a sense of pride to know that I’m helping to support others who started where I did.”
Julie has also volunteered outside of Chat Central and has happily returned to work as a passenger assistant, supporting children travelling to school.
One huge impact that Chat Central has had upon them both is their newfound friendship. They’ve volunteered together at Community Fairs, joined a creative group, visit each other’s home and regularly go on shopping trips together. They have lots in common and when Jo heard Jullie talking so openly about her autism Jo confided that she thought she too might be neurodiverse. Julie encouraged Jo to be assessed and once autism was diagnosed, they both started attending an autism support group together.
Julie laughed, “We’re alike in some ways but in others we’re like the hare and tortoise, me going around talking to everyone, you (Jo) sitting back more and taking it all in.” Jo added, “ Julie has got such a nurturing nature. When you’ve felt vulnerable it’s so lovely to have a friend who cares and who checks in on you. It’s great to be able to spread that kindness around.”
Over 80% of Chat Central participants report an increase in confidence and a reduction in loneliness, but what is often harder to measure is the long-lasting impact and change the project can bring, including forging firm friendships.
Our thanks to Jo and Julie for sharing your story here – we hope it inspires others to give Chat Central a go.
If you’d like to find out more about the project for yourself or someone you feel would benefit, you can find out more here.
