Struggling with therapy/social prescribing homework (social situations mentioned)

I think I'd have problems with social prescribing too, peole who are fairly good at art always insist that everyone can draw, I can barely draw a bath and was so bad at school that the teacher always used me as a model.

I can't carry a day pack as my back and shoulders are to painful.

Gym's freak out when they here the list of physical health problems I have and don't want me there, they say I can use the treadmill or exercise bike, nothing else.

Meetings in cafes are problematic as I have so many allergies eating or drinking out is a nightmare and has to be planned like a military operation.

I do my own garden, I walk my own dog.

I can feel myself getting tense just thinking about it all, so good luck.

Out of interest do you have an existing interest in Art or Rambling/Walking? I have got involved in both climbing and mountain biking clubs as I had an existing interest in both and found that the common interest made it much easier to engage with people.

That’s true. Only I can do it in the end.

I think I get it, so people there are likely In similar circumstances or may struggle in social environments also?

It’s about being signposted to specific local venues and groups, rather than finding them yourself. The idea is that it’s structured support.

There is quite a good chance that some of the other people attending the art class were hesitant, at first, about attending (for their own reasons) too - and are likely to be more understanding about how you feel at first - than you might have expected.

Oh I figured it was just to try integrate you better into society and get out the house more. What makes it different from an idea one may have had already or is it the venue that’s the important bit?

There is a website called "AccessAble".  Sometimes public buildings are listed in there.  You could check using the "Near to..." search box to see if your Hub building is listed on that website.

I have used it to see photos, information about entrances and facilities of a building, who to email to find out particular information I want to know - about a building which is new to me (before my first visit).

Not absolutely every building is in the website - but many helpfully are listed.  I have used it e.g. when attending an appointment at a new-to-me hospital.

https://www.accessable.co.uk/

It is also a good prompt for what else is around in an area of a town / city a bit unfamiliar to you - I have used it to help me arrive early in the area and chill out for a while at s nearby library.

Social prescribing is when you’re referred to community activities or groups instead of just medical treatment. It’s supposed to help with wellbeing.

I see what you mean. Trust is very hard for me, but I’ll still try the art class.

Social prescribing is not something I’ve come across till entering this forum. Is this a form of do it yourself therapy?

What you said is fine, I understand fully.

You can communicate fine. Don't go defensive. The solution is to be more open, not stop. If you can't talk here where can you talk. 

What I mean is there isn't going to be a solution that is not difficult. It is going to be hard the first time, maybe desperately hard. But it will get easier.

You want to find a way over that hump, I know it.

I know you are scared, nervous of being seen, worried about what you might say or do, worried about what others will think etc. a lot of it is in your head. Others won't think half what you think they will think. Mostly they won't care, but you will struggle to convince yourself of this. You will be looking at every gesture, look, facial expression, comment, and over analysing it.

Own up to it, say out loud what your fears are. Name them it will be hard but it will help.

I want you to be able to go to the art class.

I have a similar issue, I was sent to a meeting for neurodivergent people, I emailed them first of all and found out who was the contact and where and when I need to be.

Initially it's a real push to actually get out of the car. I met the guy in charge and he ran through a few details and then I sat at the back and talked to another autistic person, who was just as nervous I me.

I've really had to push myself out of my comfort zone, as I really struggle with new situations and people.

Take care.

You’re right, I probably just said something obvious. This is why I struggle to communicate, even here. Thank you for replying, I’ll leave it there.

Stevie said:

Even arriving early would still be difficult,

Of course it is difficult, that's why it is being prescribed.

Perhaps go to the location first on a different day so at least going there feels less scary.

Maybe email, rather than call, and ask if you could meet the organiser for a few minutes.

Then get there first. Stay till maybe 3 or 4 people arrive, then leave. Maybe talk to one person. Just say hello.

You'll have to build it up from some starting point. Or get drunk, high or take some tranquillisers first. I have in the past had a drink before going out to have a drink, but I'm not supposed to be encouraging you to drink.

I appreciate the ideas. For me though, phoning organisers or arranging to meet someone feels beyond what I can manage right now. I also don’t have anyone who could come along with me. Even arriving early would still be difficult, as it’s the social side itself that I struggle with most.

For the art class could you try calling the organiser so you know one person, then get them meet you outside. Or go early and be the first one there 

For the rambling thing can you get someone to go with you the first time?