Lecale Ladies Social Group, which aims to prevent loneliness and isolation for women in the Ardglass area came together to enjoy a great day trip to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, recently. The visit was organised by the Ardglass Social Work Team, who took the opportunity to arrange the relaxing day. The group, which was formed a year ago, enjoyed a guided tour of the house, followed by a leisurely stroll around the gardens before tucking into a delicious lunch at a local garden centre.
The members of the group work with the South Eastern HSC Trust Social Work Team and the local Community Rural Network as they continue to fight loneliness in their local area of Ardglass. The group members take part in a wide variety of activities including quizzes, reflexology, arts and craft such as copper plating, mosaic work, crochet and glass painting. A huge part of the groups ethos is support and friendship. The current members have made strong connections with each other and meet regularly to enhance their social life and support network,
Feedback from the group members has been vitally important to develop the format of the group and select the activities that they want to try. One member commented, “I look forward to every Wednesday, I do not know where I would be without this group.” Another grateful group member stated, “I have made new friends and this has helped my mental health, I thoroughly enjoy the company of all of the ladies and the staff who run the group make us all feel so welcome.”
If you live in the Ardglass area and are interested in finding out more about the group, please ask to speak to the social work team in your local GP surgery who can arrange a referral.