Never feel alone, It's good to talk !!

[BigTone]

16 minutes ago, Waffleflap said:

I'm here. What a place. So foggy for a couple of hours but it's nice and clear now. Just some bleating lambs to deal with. Glad I'm here to be fair . 

Looks fab mate. Enjoy your night of solitude and bbq lamb for dins.

[Lanterne Rouge]

1 hour ago, Waffleflap said:

I'm here. What a place. So foggy for a couple of hours but it's nice and clear now. Just some bleating lambs to deal with. Glad I'm here to be fair . 

Don`t you go worrying them sheep mind.

You`re not Welsh.

[phantom]

THE ROBINS FOUNDATION TACKLE LONELINESS

FRIDAY, JUNE 18TH 2021

This week people and organisations have come together to raise awareness for loneliness.

It's no surprise that this past year has left a lot of people feeling lonely and isolated. As socialising was put on hold, those who had previously relied on attending weekly sessions for their social interactions really struggled. This was very much the case for some of the players of the Bristol City Walking Football team.

When Covid-19 first hit back in March 2020 and sessions had to stop Lee Gillett - the Health and Well-being Lead at the Robins Foundation was conscious that some of the elderly players in the walking football team would find it difficult.

To tackle this Lee would call to check in on players who lived alone for a chat and to make sure they had everything they needed. Lee would also knock on the player's doors that lived locally to him, for a chat and to drop off sport's equipment so players were able to stay active at home.

For many of the players walking football means a lot more than just meeting up with friends and playing football, as for some it is the only social interaction they have. Pre-covid the players would stay after sessions had finished, for a cup of tea and coffee to catch up and check-in with one another. As a team, they would also have quiz nights and organise social events throughout the year. These formed friendships and solid support group has kept many of the players going when they were struggling with their own mental health issues or going through difficult periods of their lives.

Lee Gillett said, "Our walking football sessions are much more than just a kick about, we have created a team spirit where we support each other on and off the pitch."

To get involved and join the walking football team, feel free to come to the sessions below. 

• Tuesday’s at Imperial Sports Ground South Bristol, BS14 9EA. 10:30am - 11:30am. Cost: £4 (Outdoors)
• Thursday’s at Imperial Sports Ground South Bristol, BS14 9EA. 10:30am - 11:30am. Cost: £4  (Outdoors)

Should you require any additional information on these sessions, please contact the Robins Foundation on 0117 963 0636 or email: lee.gillett@bcfc.co.uk

If you or anyone you know feels lonely or struggling please contact Samaritans

Call: 116 123

Email: jo@samaritans.org

[Mattredrobin]

Hey hard post for me to write but i've only just seen this page, nice to know that i can reach out to the city community, i'm suffering with depression at the moment lots of different things going on one day im fine then i'm struggling for weeks, hoping once we get back to a routine of city matches this will help me lots, sending love and thoughts to anyone going through similar, and as im sure many of you have said before if anyone needs to talk about anything no matter how trivial or silly it may seem to them please drop me a message it may even help me to know there a fellow reds out there that understand

[In the Net]

On 06/07/2021 at 07:54, Mattredrobin said:

Hey hard post for me to write but i've only just seen this page, nice to know that i can reach out to the city community, i'm suffering with depression at the moment lots of different things going on one day im fine then i'm struggling for weeks, hoping once we get back to a routine of city matches this will help me lots, sending love and thoughts to anyone going through similar, and as im sure many of you have said before if anyone needs to talk about anything no matter how trivial or silly it may seem to them please drop me a message it may even help me to know there a fellow reds out there that understand

Sorry to hear that you're struggling at the moment.  I know where you're coming from, I have occasional days when I think "I'm cured", then the next day I'm back at the bottom of the dark pit.  Mental health transcends football colours, and I've been lucky enough to receive good advice and support on here.  Keep going mate, one day at a time, and try not to dwell on the bad ones too much.  Take care. 

[phantom]

[phantom]

[phantom]

[The Batman]

I thought this would be the final update. My divorce came through last week. Decree absolute granted and its all finalised..... Glorious 

.... 

.... 

And then it has come out that her relationship and adultery started months before the date she originally gave me when I found out. I based my divorce statement in good faith that it started when she told me and I alluded to comments she made in a whatsapp conversation we had, she then signed the paperwork saying that it was all true, but it's now come out that she lied.... Just don't understand why she'd continue to lie about it, especially on legal documentation. Perjury??? We shall see. 

[BigTone]

1 hour ago, The Batman said:

I thought this would be the final update. My divorce came through last week. Decree absolute granted and its all finalised..... Glorious 

.... 

.... 

And then it has come out that her relationship and adultery started months before the date she originally gave me when I found out. I based my divorce statement in good faith that it started when she told me and I alluded to comments she made in a whatsapp conversation we had, she then signed the paperwork saying that it was all true, but it's now come out that she lied.... Just don't understand why she'd continue to lie about it, especially on legal documentation. Perjury??? We shall see. 

My ex hid money in another bank account that she failed to reveal in her financial disclosure. Made a huge difference when the house was divided up though. Karma.

[City oz]

2 minutes ago, BigTone said:

My ex hid money in another bank account that she failed to reveal in her financial disclosure. Made a huge difference when the house was divided up though. Karma.

You always bring a smirk to my face Big Tone when I read your posts. Your quick witted humour is great. Keep up the good work and I know you are not going through some great times at the moment.

[BigTone]

9 minutes ago, City oz said:

You always bring a smirk to my face Big Tone when I read your posts. Your quick witted humour is great. Keep up the good work and I know you are not going through some great times at the moment.

Cheers Oz

No, it's been a pretty crap year for me as is well documented on here. However, I have always maintained a phone call can change your life in a minute.

Basically I retired back in March 2020 which suited me what with covid and issues with my Mum & Wife. Now with Mum having passed and Wife now on the road to recovery my main issue has been boredom. I am 62 years old and my brain needs to be stimulated. Not by going fishing, gardening or shopping but by things that make me think. 

To cut a short story long I have taken up the offer of a position with a major London council working on the supply of new social housing. From work I've done in the past this will be easy and i can split my time between here and London. Start next Monday and just can't wait.

This will certainly boost my mental wellbeing rather than just sitting and dwelling on things. It's my way of pulling myself together and saying "bollox to all this".

It should work out but equally it may not. Either way I've given it a go.

Strangely some business associates who dropped me like a stinky turd during the dark times are now all back in contact wanting to meet up. On my conditions only the lot of them.

Conversely some others were fantastic throughout and we will certainly continue the friendships on both a business and personal level.

I suppose the point I am trying to make is that sometimes we need to look at ourselves and get through the difficult times. Not easy i understand. As I said, some will drop you but true friends will stand with you. It is only them I want in my life.

[CheddarReds]

I don't suppose anyone has any tips with regards to finding new employment?

The staff at my level in my current employment have been treated pretty poorly over the last 18 months and we have poor employment terms as it is. I've been trying to find a new job but find it so difficult. The combination of these two things is definitely starting to take its toll on my mental health.

[Cobbsoldun]

1 hour ago, CheddarReds said:

I don't suppose anyone has any tips with regards to finding new employment?

The staff at my level in my current employment have been treated pretty poorly over the last 18 months and we have poor employment terms as it is. I've been trying to find a new job but find it so difficult. The combination of these two things is definitely starting to take its toll on my mental health.

The first thing I did was sign up to Indeed and all the other job sites...and made sure my CV was searchable. I then made sure I got registered with all the agencies out there....It works trust me!

[The Batman]

2 hours ago, CheddarReds said:

I don't suppose anyone has any tips with regards to finding new employment?

The staff at my level in my current employment have been treated pretty poorly over the last 18 months and we have poor employment terms as it is. I've been trying to find a new job but find it so difficult. The combination of these two things is definitely starting to take its toll on my mental health.

Where are you based? 

35 minutes ago, Cobbsoldun said:

The first thing I did was sign up to Indeed and all the other job sites...and made sure my CV was searchable. I then made sure I got registered with all the agencies out there....It works trust me!

A good idea in theory but it went against me once. May not for others. 

When I was being made redundant I did what you suggested. But 2 different agencies got me interviews with 2 different teams of the same company. Needless to say, nobody was very happy with me but I didn't know they were for the same company as they didn't say who the job was for on either of them. 

But I never gave up hope and I had a few mins spare one day and found a role which I thought would be a perfect fit for me, still there now and I'm doing great and I'm appreciated by my bosses. At the time I was so scared that I wouldn't get a job because my wife wasn't working and we had a newborn and the redundancy was just more of an added pressure. This was also around the time of the court case that some of you will be aware of. They made me redundant a week before the trial started. I was sure to thank them on my last day for being so thoughtful. 

[BigTone]

17 hours ago, CheddarReds said:

I don't suppose anyone has any tips with regards to finding new employment?

The staff at my level in my current employment have been treated pretty poorly over the last 18 months and we have poor employment terms as it is. I've been trying to find a new job but find it so difficult. The combination of these two things is definitely starting to take its toll on my mental health.

What is your line of work ?

[phantom]

[CheddarReds]

@BigTone @Cobbsoldun @The Batman thanks for getting back to me. I've updated my linkedin and got the CV out there a bit more with recruitment websites. 

I'm living and working in Cardiff at the moment.

I'm working on a financial project as a contractor and it's my first full time role after university. My previous education and work experience has been in sport. I'm not sure exactly what I want to do but I'm quite interested by a role doing some sort of research/ analyst/ evaluation.  

[BigTone]

On 09/08/2021 at 20:14, CheddarReds said:

I don't suppose anyone has any tips with regards to finding new employment?

The staff at my level in my current employment have been treated pretty poorly over the last 18 months and we have poor employment terms as it is. I've been trying to find a new job but find it so difficult. The combination of these two things is definitely starting to take its toll on my mental health.

The problem with Indeed, CVLibrary & Trovit etc is that the jobs they advertise do not always exist. It is just a ploy to get you to register your details on their website. It is hard to know which way to go but at some point one agency will stand out as being genuine. It can take some time to get to this but just be patient. The other problem is that the recruiter does not understand exactly what it is you do or want to do. I am a Quantity Surveyor and sometimes their response just leaves me speechless as to their idea of what I actually do. 

Try and find an agency that specialises in your line of work is the best advice. Not always easy I understand.

Hang in there and good luck.

Tony

 

[Jerseybean]

[Jerseybean]

Fellow Reds might be interested in the book I’m currently reading which is written by my ex-colleague and good friend Dr Bill Saunders.  It is called ‘What happened? What mental health is really about’ rather colourful language in places but the content is spot-on IMO and could be useful to anybody interested in how childhood trauma has impacted their adulthood. Bill is a clinical psychologist, now in his 70’s, and writes from experience and with passion. 

ISBN: 9780645135374 Available from KMD books, https://www.kmdbooks.com/

[Tre Bong]

I'm done...really done...sorry guys and gals but i don't want to live in this ****** up world any more. I have set a date on the 23rd (my 43rd birthday), i have the BBQ  and the vodka ready. 

****

YOU 

ALL

[Mrs Miggins Pie Shop]

Hello,

I’m sorry you’re feeling so low, whatever you’re going through please believe that it may, with time pass. 

Please do phone the Samaritans, just a call with someone who will listen to your troubles and worries.

116 123

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/talk-us-phone/

[In the Net]

3 hours ago, Tre Bong said:

I'm done...really done...sorry guys and gals but i don't want to live in this ****** up world any more. I have set a date on the 23rd (my 43rd birthday), i have the BBQ  and the vodka ready. 

****

YOU 

ALL

Please try and talk things through with somebody, be that via the Samaritans, MIND, or a trusted friend.  I made the mistake of keeping my negative feelings within my own head, where they multiply and magnify.  We can't change the world, however, we can make small changes within our own lives, which is a start.  Please reach out to somebody, just expressing your thoughts out loud, and sharing, can offer some relief.  Take care. 

[BigTone]

7 hours ago, Tre Bong said:

I'm done...really done...sorry guys and gals but i don't want to live in this ****** up world any more. I have set a date on the 23rd (my 43rd birthday), i have the BBQ  and the vodka ready. 

****

YOU 

ALL

Take up the advice given. It could easily turn your world back into a positive outlook.

[bpexile]

On 09/08/2021 at 21:12, BigTone said:

Cheers Oz

No, it's been a pretty crap year for me as is well documented on here. However, I have always maintained a phone call can change your life in a minute.

Basically I retired back in March 2020 which suited me what with covid and issues with my Mum & Wife. Now with Mum having passed and Wife now on the road to recovery my main issue has been boredom. I am 62 years old and my brain needs to be stimulated. Not by going fishing, gardening or shopping but by things that make me think. 

To cut a short story long I have taken up the offer of a position with a major London council working on the supply of new social housing. From work I've done in the past this will be easy and i can split my time between here and London. Start next Monday and just can't wait.

This will certainly boost my mental wellbeing rather than just sitting and dwelling on things. It's my way of pulling myself together and saying "bollox to all this".

It should work out but equally it may not. Either way I've given it a go.

Strangely some business associates who dropped me like a stinky turd during the dark times are now all back in contact wanting to meet up. On my conditions only the lot of them.

Conversely some others were fantastic throughout and we will certainly continue the friendships on both a business and personal level.

I suppose the point I am trying to make is that sometimes we need to look at ourselves and get through the difficult times. Not easy i understand. As I said, some will drop you but true friends will stand with you. It is only them I want in my life.

Only just picked up on this Tone, its funny how many of us in our working life wish we were retired, then when it happens wish we were back working. I haven't worked for 20yrs due to injury (I'm now 73) & the early years were hell. Grandchildren playing sport, photography & fishing have been enormously helpful. Also try to keep out the way of "The War Office" keeps me active.

Glad you've found something to help you Tone, stay safe mate.

[City Rocker]

@Tre Bong please look here: 

https://www.wetalkclub.com/

Founded in Bristol a couple of years ago, it's spread all around the UK and beyond. 

"Talk Club is a Male Mental Fitness Movement. 

It’s a talking and listening club for men.  

It’s a support network for ways to keep mentally fit. 

It’s a community of men looking after each other.

It’s here to remind all men that they are not alone, that other men feel exactly the same way they do, and if we share our feelings we can become mentally strong. 

Together we can change the way we look after our mental health and end suicide."

[oldstandrobin]

On 15/08/2021 at 07:14, Tre Bong said:

I'm done...really done...sorry guys and gals but i don't want to live in this ****** up world any more. I have set a date on the 23rd (my 43rd birthday), i have the BBQ  and the vodka ready. 

****

YOU 

ALL

Please dont mate, I had a breakdown at 45. I am now going through a sh*tter at 70. My plans came to nothing in life but I will get through it, so will you, 

[BigTone]

Just now, BigTone said:

First week back at the coalface and I must say I feel better much better in myself already. Back in France earlier than I thought but now with 6 projects to run so looking forward to getting stuck in again.

Did laugh at the Councils policy regarding the lifts. It's like being on the naughty step !!

 

[Jerseybean]