Befriending group set up for Bishop's Castle
A befriending group has been set up in a south Shropshire town to help people cope with lockdown pressures.
Bishop's Castle Befriending Circle (BCBC) has been formed to address some of the issues of loneliness and anxiety which the pandemic has highlighted.
A spokesperson from the group said: "Whilst many of us are part of an informal network of friends, neighbours, relatives and acquaintances, some people have many fewer connections and may come to the attention of the NHS primary care service because this has become a problem for them.
"Rather than medicalise what is essentially a social need, a telephone-based befriending group provides an appropriately trained and support community alternative.
"With the encouragement and support of Hands Together Ludlow, BCBC has gone through an accreditation process with Shropshire Council which means the social prescriber at Bishop's Castle medical practice is able to refer patients to them.
Valerie Woodmansey is coordinating BCBC and is happy to talk. Contact valerie.woodmansey@btinternet.com or call 07986 237683.
