This week, friendships creating that cosy sense of home are celebrated at Paul’s Place on International and National Day of Friendships on Tuesday 30th July and Sunday 4th August.

We live in a tough world of misunderstandings, mistreatment, lack of trust, discrimination and people talking over us or at us.

Paul’s Place member, Hannah, says, “our charity offers a comfortable space where people understand each other. We all have different physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities, but we learn from each other, find common ground and have fun!”

Meet Paul and Rebecca who met at Paul’s Place over eight years ago. They consider each other as best friends. Paul had a severe stroke, but used his sense of humour to get through. Rebecca lives with chronic pain and uses her wheelchair to get around. Rebecca says, ‘seeing Paul cheers me up, we laugh at anything and it’s the best medicine’.

Paul and Rebecca can detect when they’re having an awful day, and then use laughter to change this.

At Paul’s Place we celebrate diversity and inclusion, where no one is left alone or behind. There are opportunities to eat out, compete in Boccia tournaments up and down the country, go to the theatre, play cards and volunteer. Most importantly, these golden opportunities are done with friends. The friendships made at Paul Place reduces our stress and anxiety. We become healthy, happy and live longer and better lives.

Anyone can celebrate International and National Day of Friendships. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Have a coffee catch-up with a dear friend you struggle to make time for.
  • If you’re invited to an event, say yes! It may reunite you with familiar faces while meeting new people.
  • Share a funny memory.
  • Be brave, tell your friends how much you appreciate them.
  • Write a letter or send a social media message to let them know you care. Reminisce over the best memories you have together.

The International and National Friendship Days are a simple reminder that friends play an important role for a happy and healthy life where we make cherished memories together.

At Paul’s Place we keep the spirit of friendship alive for physically disabled adults during the day, evening and online through our social media channels.

To enquire and arrange a free visit, please contact us.