Claire Ashburner talks candidly about how the warmth and kindness of new friends she made at the Centre became a major support for her.
Therapeutic Groups
Our therapeutic leisure groups are informal, welcoming groups offering various fun activities and events. Members enjoy a drink and chat with peers or join in with one of the wide range of activities on offer.
The aim of the therapeutic leisure groups is to provide people with the opportunity to connect with other members and to participate in fun activities. When dealing with a long-term neurological condition, life can become dominated by day to day essentials. This leaves little time, energy and resources for enjoying the fun things in life. We want to help you to redress this balance.
Art Group
Social and Fun Facebook Group
As well as our main Facebook Group, we also have a social Facebook group where anything goes! The group are very chatty and love to share things that make people smile. They also offer support to each other, something that has become so important in recent years.
Singing Group
A glorious interactive music session with professional musician, Deborah Holborn from charity Lost Chord UK. Forty five minutes of music to suit all tastes and to bring joy to mind, body and spirit.
The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, from 2-2.45pm.
If you’d like to come along then please email Jo Kendall.
Angell Art Group
The Angell Art Group is perfect for those who enjoy trying their hand at being creative. We have wonderful artists who set challenges and give demonstrations and tips. Whether you love to draw or are a complete novice, this group is a fun way to get creative and connect with other members at the same time. In the past we have created pieces that have been sold at our art exhibition, Christmas cards and calendars.
One group meets fortnightly on Tuesdays at 2pm while the other meets fortnightly on Wednesdays at 10am. Check out the Centre Timetable for actual dates.
If you’d like to join one of the Angell Art Groups then please email Jo Kendall.
There is also a Facebook group for Angell Art that members and carers are welcome to join.
Wild Art
Art and craft can have therapeutic value because they provide a way for individuals to express themselves and cope with emotions. Engaging in art and craft activities can also improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, the creative process can be used as a form of self-expression and can help individuals gain insight into their thoughts and feelings. They can also be used as a form of relaxation and mindfulness, which can improve overall wellbeing.
Our Wild Art Group is about bringing nature and cosiness into our homes. It is an art group with a difference as we use natural materials and recycled objects to aid our creativity.
The group meets fortnightly during term time on Fridays at 10am. Check out the Centre Timetable for actual dates.
If you’d like to come along then please email Jo Kendall.
Growing Bright
Our Growing Bright Art Group involves hands-on activities with plants and have a general gardening and up-cycling theme, such as propagating plants and making recycled terrariums to sell in the shop. We hope to run the group outside when weather permits!
The group meets fortnightly during term time on Fridays at 10am. Check out the Centre Timetable for actual dates.
If you’d like to come along then please email Jo Kendall.
Zoom Book Group
The Zoom Book Group meets every month on a Friday (usually last one of the month) from 1.30-3pm. The group is welcoming and friendly with a combination of MS, Parkinson’s and Carer members taking part. They discuss and review a different book (which is chosen as a group) at each session, the group is great for meeting new people and supporting mental and emotional wellbeing through connection and conversation with others.
If you’d like to join the group then please email Jo Kendall.
Social Group
The Social Group meets every other Wednesday at the Centre from 10am-12noon. There is a different theme for each session – for example summertime and famous people and the activities may include word searches, quizzes and bingo. We also arrange some external trips such as brunch at the garden centre, boat trips and shows at local theatres. The group is a great way to meet other members at the Centre for interaction and friendship. Being sociable and taking part in these activities can also improve memory formation, recall and cognition.
If you’d like to come along then please email Jo Kendall.
Crafternoon Tea
Have you got a craft project on the go? It could be cross stitching, knitting, painting, crocheting, or any other small craft project. Bring your project along and enjoy a good natter with fellow members whilst crafting. Note that it is designed to be an informal session with no tuition given.
The group meets (usually) on the last Friday of the month at 2pm. Check out the Centre Timetable for actual dates.
If you are interested then please contact Cathy Garner to let her know you will be attending.
Boccia
Boccia is a ball sport related to bowls which has been at the Paralympic Games since 1984. It was originally designed to be played by people with cerebral palsy but now includes athletes with other conditions that can affect motor skills. Boccia can help the players to keep a range of movement in their upper-body, and the score is always kept so there is a real incentive to win and keep pushing their limits! The aim is to help people with mobility issues to become more active, independent and involved in their wider community, and ultimately enjoy the power of sport.
The group meets every Thursday at 12.30pm.
If you are interested in taking part then please email Jo Kendall.
Activity Pack
We also provide monthly activity packs for those who need inspiration for doing activities with their loved ones at home, especially if they cannot get online. These include word searches, quizzes and more. You can request a pack by sending an email and you will then be sent one every month.
HOW CAN A GROUP LIKE THIS BENEFIT ME?
Enjoying social and leisure activities within a group setting can help in many ways, both physically and emotionally.
Benefits include:
- Lifting mood/reducing stress
- Improving confidence/providing a feeling of achievement
- Recognising existing skills and learning new ones
- Forming new friendships & widening support networks
- Strengthening thinking skills (e.g. concentration / memory)
- Providing a sense of structure and purpose
- Improving physical stamina & increasing energy levels
