Finding a Sense of Belonging

Even though John had recently become a New Zealand citizen, he was just waiting to get his passport sorted before firming up plans to return back to the UK. John did not feel connected in his current community of Nelson and believed it would be better for him to return to his place of birth for the next phase of retired life.

Recognising his need for more connection, John eventually found his way to a Wellby Talking Café. After attending several and becoming something of a regular, he happily announced to the group one day that he recently noticed his desire to return to the UK did not exist anymore!

He described how he used to the type of person who would sit in the corner at parties and gatherings, not wanting to interact with others very much. However, since attending the Talking Cafés and over time he now finds himself ideally on a ‘chair with wheels’ so he can scoot around and chat with everyone present. He can hardly believe this transformation himself and attributes much of this to Wellby.

John further shared that it has lately become very apparent to him – he is in fact home. He has community, friends and a village…he belongs.

The belief that everyone belongs and that everyone should have a shot at the sense of wellbeing from belonging is at the core of Wellby.