SOCIAL media can be a draining place.

The pitfalls of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the like are very well documented.

But social media’s many benefits are also there for all to see.

It has never been easier for us to stay in touch with our community, from the comfort of our own home.

In Colchester, there is one community Facebook page which stands above the rest.

With nearly 19,000 members, Colchester Community Group, is the go to place for many when they want to know the good which is happening in the town.

It was set up by father-of-four Ben Sutton just under five-years-ago.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Ben, 44, said: “At the time I set it up there was a collection of Colchester groups on Facebook. I noticed how negative they all were and I decided to do something positive.

“It is easy when you read something on social media to miss the context.

“I wanted my group to be somewhere to promote independent businesses, community champions, small charities and other organisations like that.

“A lot of it is about trying to help people with their wellbeing.

“So many people get dragged into the negativity which can spread on social media.

“We have around 420 posts a day submitted. Obviously we cannot publish all of them but it shows how it has grown.”

Through the group Ben has helped put 70 people through mental health first aid courses.

Dozens have also undergone first aid training with St John’s Ambulance and he has helped raise the profile of many of Colchester’s most important charities, including Colchester Foodbank.

They’ve raised thousands for charities and also help spread the word about the town’s blossoming business scene.

The experience has been richly rewarding for Ben and has inspired him to form three other groups.

The Give Away Group, which now has 3,600 members, Colchester Community Volunteer Group, which has 9,000, and Women Together Colchester, which has 2,200.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Ben said: “When covid hit and lockdown began I set up the volunteer group. Within two weeks we had 8,000 members.

“We have helped almost every organisation which is involved with the authorities’ covid response with manpower.

“It is a huge mix of people in the community. Its focus is now changing going forward. The emergency help people needed is not so much there any more.

“So it will now help community groups find manpower and volunteers for community projects.”

He’s even started a new website, yourcolchester.com, to showcase the brightest and best businesses in the town.

Despite working 75 hour weeks as a lorry driver, Ben hasn’t lost his enthusiasm for the projects, or for Colchester’s community itself.

He said: “I have met so many fantastic people. I get people sending me friend requests or messages all the time and I love receiving them.

“If it makes me feel happy doing it, I think that shows in the groups.

“I have had troubles in my life and the way I have dealt with that is to be positive in fighting my battles.

“I thought I could help other people have a better day.

“My motto is that one person can do a big act and it can make a small difference, but if lots of people do lots of small or regular acts of kindness, it makes a big difference.

“It is not about me or claiming glory. I hope to encourage people to do something good themselves which will help their community.”

To find out more about the groups, search on Facebook.