LOCKDOWN fatigue one of the reasons behind a new initiative aimed at offering people a mental health boost.

Social isolation over the last 10 months under pandemic restrictions means no one is immune to feeling low, suffering a loss of motivation and purpose in life.

Trudi Wagner wanted to help those suffering so she has launched a lockdown lounge where members can chat over a coffee but stay safe in their own homes.

She told the Adver: “When we had the first lockdown there seemed to be a lot of support, it was almost a bit of a novelty for everyone. There’s not as much pulling together this time.

"I live alone, I don’t get to see friends and family and it made me think about other people in a similar situation and I wanted to create a place where people can go.

“It’s a place we talk virtually, we had a video call over the weekend so we had a chat and some coffee. It’s a group where people can have a chat, say how they’re feeling in a safe environment.

“People might get the chance to make friends who they can meet in person when we come out of this whole thing.”

Swindon and Wiltshire Lockdown Lounge already has more than 100 members on its Facebook page even though it started this month.

Other than virtual meet-ups, it’s a place where people can arrange to go on a walk with someone at a distance and to have a support system.

There has been a noticeable rise in the number of people needing support. Wiltshire housing association Aster Group reported a 50 per cent increase in people signing up for its mental wellness programme since the start of the pandemic.

More than 1,000 people had support from Aster just last year.

Trudi said: “I’m not a professional mental health expert but I want to help connect people who are alone or feeling down.

“I’m really pleased with how it’s going so far. I started it for a few friends, to begin with, and then I saw what impact it could have I opened it up to the community.

“It’s great that so many people have joined the group and want to be a part of the group. Everyone has been so supportive, I’ve had a lot of messages thanking me for starting it and telling me how much they needed the support. It’s boosted my wellbeing seeing that sort of response and knowing I’m helping others.”

The 53-year-old also started a wellbeing business, Trudie’s Wellness Hub, last summer to support people in eating well and keeping fit.

Swindon and Wiltshire Lockdown Lounge is at facebook.com/groups/swindonandwiltslockdownlounge