Welcome back to our opinion column from Claudette Lawrence, a disabled campaigner and activist from Thamesmead.

She has a strong interest in current affairs and local issues, and is passionate about eliminating the stigma of mental health. She'll be sharing her views on issues that are close to her heart in Claudette's Concerns.

Health and wellbeing is a very important issue both for mental and physical health.

I am lucky I live in an area where there is so much to do and so many services available to help people. In this article, I would like to talk about two services that I find particularly helpful.

We are at a time where there are many changes that are happening with welfare reform. Lots of people are being changed over to Universal Credit and others to Personal Independence Payment or Employment and Support Allowance. The process is proving very stressful for many and is causing hardship for others.

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One of the services I am involved with is called Positive Steps. This is a service which is open to Greenwich and Bexley residents who live in Thamesmead, and is managed by Peabody.

It is a drop-in service managed by a team of trained volunteers where clients can come for help on a variety of issues including housing, debt, poverty, employment, mental health, benefits advice and getting physically fit - this list is not exhaustive. The sessions are held at Lakeside Health Centre in the Southmere Village, Yarnton Way.

It is a signposting service, where people can discuss their issues and they will be referred to a relevant service to help them. GPs at Lakeside Health Centre can help patients with medical conditions and then refer people on for help with other issues such as housing or benefits that are causing stress. Early intervention helps identify any underlying issues and alleviates worry and stress and reduces public spending and waiting times.

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Positive Steps works in partnership with Fair Finance Bexley, Thamesmead Food Bank, Recovery College Greenwich, Mind Bexley, and many more organisations.

For more information on Positive Steps, and if you need any help on any issues like the ones I have mentioned, phone 07815 734080. If you are unable to attend the surgery, a referral can be done over the phone.

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The next service which not many people know about is called SafetyNet. This service was opened by Jacqui Collins who lost her husband and mum. Jacqui said: “There was nothing out there for adults and I was lonely."

SafetyNet meets on a Thursday from 11am to 2pm at Birchmere Community Hub, Disraeli Close.

It is a friendly service where people can chat, play games, do crafting, listen to music or just mingle. A lady also does manicures which cost £1.

If you would like more information on SafetyNet call Jacqui on 07493 204473.

A very friendly place to chat and meet people. People come from a variety of backgrounds with mental health or physical disabilities. The group also tries to arrange outings in the summer to the seaside, and last year they had a Christmas lunch.

What I like about this group is it was founded by one lady who wanted to help others. Jacqui does a great job.

Thamesmead is a great place to live. For more details on wellbeing and other stuff going on in Thamesmead visit www.thamesmeadnow.org.uk