AROUND THE COMMUNITY Support is vital

ANNE-MARIE ELIAS

Once upon a time there was a pelican and an echidna. What the bleep, I hear you ask. Please read on and you will have the full story, which starts with the need for social support.

In fact, we humans need a variety of support. We are notoriously bad at recognising what it is that we need and even worse in asking for it.

Berkeley University researchers have defined social connection as the feeling that you belong to a group and generally feel close to other people. Scientific evidence strongly suggests that this is a core psychological need, essential to feeling satisfied with your life.

As we celebrate Pesach, we reflect on the Israelites who had to rely upon and support each other as they left slavery for a new life in The Promised Land. This support was not only social connectedness. The young, the elderly, the infirm and the injured required help on a physical and material level. They relied on the fit and healthy for transportation, shelter and the provision of food and water.

So, who provides you with emotional support, by way of encouragement, empathy, kindness and understanding, in the present day? This type of support is vital for our wellbeing. There may be several people in your day-to-day life who fulfil that need. They are effectively our cheer squad.

Another kind of support is informational. For example, attending a class to learn a language. There may be no emotional connection, but the teacher and other students can provide information that can foster growth. This is one of the reasons why group therapy can be so successful.

Tangible support is a service provided by another person. It is practical and can encourage a sense of belonging and acknowledgment that help is available when needed. Has someone seen you struggling to open a door when your hands are full of shopping bags and rushed to open it for you? This is an example of tangible support.

What type of support provides you with affirmation and builds your selfesteem? That usually occurs during activities we are engaged in where we feel respected.

It could be a role you hold within your family or in your community. Moses would have received this support from his leadership. This type of support helps us to keep motivated.

As we evolve through our lives, our supports also change. Some of our connections are lifelong, while others