A Salford community group providing support and guidance for women struggling with their mental health have begun to meet for sessions.
The Women of Wisdom group in Walkden has been launched to help combat female loneliness and allow people to foster meaningful connections and friendships.
They host sessions twice a week, meeting at Walkden Library from 7pm- 9pm every Tuesday and 1pm-3pm every Sunday.
Jan Hoey founded the group when she suffered from loneliness after her husband passed away. She aims to build a safe space for women to thrive in their wellbeing and build a community.
Jan describes the group as the sisterhood. She said, “We all support one another, look out for one another. There’s no judgment, it’s support and a shoulder to cry on.
“And we’ve got a saying here, if you want to rant, scream, shout, whatever, then do it.”
One member of the group, Julie Ambrooks, shared how Women of Wisdom brought back her confidence after her mum passed away earlier this year:
“When you hit rock bottom and you don’t want to be here anymore, you’ve got to do something to get yourself out of that hole – and Women of Wisdom definitely got me out of that hole”.
Taylor Gallagher, another member of Women of Wisdom said: “I’ve overcome a lot since being in the group, stress, anxiety, depression. It’s a very uplifting and powerful group.
“I’m not alone in this group, I feel like I’ve got a lot of surroundings and friends that I can turn to if I ever need support”.
She continued: “I’ve got a lot of friends in this group and I love to see them. That’s one way to get out of bed in the morning”.
For many women, speaking out and seeking support can be difficult. Lindsey Cope shared her experience: “I’ve not been out for a year on my own because I suffer from panic attacks, and then I met Jan and she welcomed me into the group.
“It’s a lovely group and we’ve all made friends. Anybody who wants to come, they’re welcome”.
Taylor added: “I know it will be hard for a lot of women to come to the group to show their face. Even if it’s ringing one of the ladies and having that chat before you come to the group.
“It’s just giving them that opportunity and saying, look, we’re there and we’ve got your back”.
Women of Wisdom host a variety of events for the community in Walkden and Salford, such as meditation, yoga, gardening, pamper nights and Reiki sessions. They invite women to be involved with the group to empower one another and their own well-being.
The group also encourages the women to start their own businesses as a form of mindfulness. Lindsey designs, creates and sells decorative bears as part of her craft business.
Women of Wisdom is a non-profit organisation using the power of community to support one another and Julie hailed the difference her newfound friends have made to her mental health.
“For your mental health it’s right up there. I feel like a whole different person than when I joined.
“That is thanks to Jan, Lindsey and Tracy – we are like sisters now,” she said.
The Women of Wisdom community group meet twice a week in Walkden. For more information, visit their Facebook page here.
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