Community group saved my life

A WIDOW has urged others to join groups in their community after saying her local friendship café and craft group saved her life.

In recognition of Loneliness Awareness Week, June 15^th to 21st , Muriel Holmes has joined Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST) in highlighting just how important community cafes and groups are in supporting residents.

After Muriel’s husband died in 2023 she said she felt “lost and alone” until she saw balloons outside The Dovercourt and Harwich Hub, in High Street, Dovercourt that September and decided to look inside.

She said: “From there, my life has changed.”

Muriel, who now attends the Friendship and Bereavement Café and Crafty Hub at CVST in Harwich, said she was experiencing profound isolation.

“I felt absolutely alone,” she added.

“The friends that I did have seemed to fade away because I was nursing my husband

“My confidence had gone. I really didn’t know what to do with myself.”

After spending seven years caring for her husband, Muriel found herself cut off from the outside world.

“The only time I ever really went out was to go and get my shopping. I’d lost all my friends. I’d lost everything.”

Her turning point came unexpectedly when she walked into The Hub.

That step led Muriel to CVST’s groups, where she found connection, friendship, and renewed confidence.

“I don’t think I’d be here if I didn’t have these groups,” she said.

“For me, this has actually saved my life.”

Now, she is encouraging others who may be struggling with loneliness to reach out and take that first step.

“I tell all my friends about it now, because I think it is important for people not to be alone — to come out, have a cup of tea and a biscuit and a chat and talk about normal life instead of being at home and not knowing what to do with yourself.

“Since I’ve been coming here, I’ve made friends, I’ve built my confidence up so I feel better in myself. I don’t feel so lost and alone.”

Loneliness Awareness Week is a national campaign encouraging people to talk openly about loneliness and take small, meaningful steps to connect with others.

Lisa Andrews, CVST’s chief officer, said Muriel’s story reflects an important reminder that loneliness can affect anyone – but connection, even in its simplest form, can make a profound difference.

“Loneliness and isolation have huge impacts on mental wellbeing as well as physical health – so having community spaces, groups, activities and services that can support people when they find themselves feeling lonely are vital.

“We always say at CVST that we save lives, and this is just what Muriel has said too.

“Her story is a powerful reminder that loneliness can affect anyone, often in ways that are not visible to others.

“At CVST, we see every day how small moments of connection – a conversation, a warm welcome, a shared activity – can make a life-changing difference.

“I’m so pleased Muriel came to The Hub and is now a vibrant and popular member of our groups, finding friends and connections.

“Loneliness Awareness Week is an important opportunity to encourage people to reach out, seek support, and know that they are not alone. Community spaces like ours exist to ensure that everyone has somewhere to belong.”

A short film sharing Muriel’s story has been released to support Loneliness Awareness Week and encourage others to seek connection:
https://youtube.com/shorts/T4heN1TljsM?feature=share

For more information on CVST’s events at its hubs in Clacton and Hub, or weekly events and activities, visit www.cvstendring.org.uk