A magnificent mosaic adorning the wall at the Hub in Port Erin is a very vivid reflection of the power of working together.

Over the last 16 months, 14 members of the Hub spent many hours tiling and grouting to create the finished product.

Gillian Merrick, who was one of the principal people involved, said: ’I think we can all agree, we never actually thought we would be able to achieve this and are very much humbled at the end result.

’Without the help of Janet (Bridle, hub coordinator), Men in Sheds, Ken and our little team of fellow mosaic makers we would never have got this completed.

’We had times when we ran out of skills and didn’t know what to do next but we brain stormed, checked out You Tube and we came out the other side.

’We were in it together and together we solved the issues. Sometimes my husband didn’t see me for days, as tiling and grouting came first.

’But the end result is that together we feel better. Together our problems seem smaller. Together we are not alone.’

The group included Ken Sexton, Iris Neil, Lyn McKeith, Pauline Lord.

She said the Hub - which runs various community activities - has transformed her life.

’This Hub and what it has to offer is a godsend to me and the many others who attend the variety of activities on offer,’ she said.

’The Hub allows people who are retired, isolated, suffering bereavement, facing illness any other number of reasons, to be together. We all agree; being around others can improve our general well being.

’Whether I come for a coffee, or wanted to play bridge or join Di’s card making group - I would be welcomed with warmth.

’In a modern digital world sometimes it is difficult to make actual human contact.

’With illness sometimes people don’t understand what you’re going through and it can be tough to fit in, even though you have skills that you want to share within the community.’

She said she has been ill for over 25 years and because of this became quite isolated and depressed.

This was unfortunately not a symptom of a failed system - but just life with multiple long term chronic illnesses.

’What the Hub has brought to me is light, hope and a sense of not being alone with my issues.’

She added: ’Since attending the Hub for the last two years I have regained confidence, been able to actually reduce medication - even though my problems persist - and generally improve my mental health which benefits not just me but my family too.

’I am surprised at the new skills I have learnt and been able to show others - the mosaic, painting, wood burning, crafting being just some.

’I am proud to say I am a Hub member and can not state in words the amazing benefits a group like this gives to the public and myself.’

Thanks also went to the Arts Council, Manx Lottery Trust, Friends Provident and Manx Telecom who helped fund the mosaic.