FOR Scott Vesty, being around mates can make the world of difference, and he’s happy to be that mate wherever he can.
Mr Vesty created his group Around Mates as a response to the need for social interaction after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Growing up in Mathoura, Mr Vesty battled with depression and anxiety from the age of 15 so understood the pain of social isolation.
Mr Vesty said the thought of anyone being in the position he suffered through led to the creation of the group.
“After the COVID-19 pandemic there have been so many people that have been suffering alone,” he said. “Who don’t think they’ve got any help or have any friends to talk to.
“After what I’ve been through, I don’t want anyone else to have to suffer alone.
“There are people out there that go through the same things, and they’ve got mates here. Just having a chat can make the world of difference.
“The biggest thing that I found is that once I’d told someone, it was like this huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
“All the other person has to do is listen, it’s not up to them to cure them or fix their problems, all they have to do is listen.
“Taking that first step and talking to someone can change a person’s life.”
Mr Vesty said that making friends as an adult can be awkward.
“It can be pretty difficult to make friends as you get older,” he said. “You go to work of a morning and come home at night, life can get pretty busy.
“Things like a social life gets pushed to the side, and sometimes our mental wellbeing can be pushed to the side even more.
“If there’s somewhere like this where people can come along, grab a bite to eat from the barbeque and just have a chat or make some new friends it’s all for the better.
“It’s also not just about the mental health side of things, it’s also helpful when you’re just coming into a new town or even if you just want to grow your circle of friends.
“It’s just about making mates and helping each other out.”
Thanks to the efforts of Mr Vesty, and generous donations from businesses, the group has quickly grown in the two months it has existed.
With the group recently becoming incorporated, Mr Vesty is hoping to spread Around Mates across the nation.
But for now, Mr Vesty said he is happy with how far the group has already grown.
“It’s been awesome to see this grow as much as it has,” he said. “I work full-time, and I do this full-time, I think it’s absolutely amazing to see us grow.
“On our Facebook group, we’ve got over 860 members now. When I get home from work, I’m looking at posts and answering any questions that anyone has.
“It’s been amazing to see these people grow as people, coming out of their shell and having the chance to talk about what they’ve gone through, it’s a really special thing for me.”
