St Deny’s Activity Group is a non-profit voluntary group for people who want to improve their mental health and well-being through socialising and taking part in activities in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
Who is it aimed at?
- those who are over the age of 18
- who have any kind of mental health challenges
- come from any gender, religious, cultural, ethnic background
- their support workers and carers
When is it open?
The St Denys Activity Group is a drop-in facility open every Thursday 10:00 – 14:30, but also serves those in the community who have been signposted to us by the community mental health teams and other agencies and services as well as those who want to interact with others to alleviate loneliness and isolation and build healthy relationships. Support workers and practitioners are welcome to drop in with or without clients for a cup of tea and a chat.
The team St Denys are aware that it can be difficult to attend a group for the first time. Over the years they have built up experience in accommodating such issues. The group is staffed by volunteers, some from a professional background, members of the community and service users. All the volunteers have undergone peer support training. Some have had mental health first aid training.
The opportunity to join in activities or just chill
The St Deny’s team believe that those attending the group should be free to participate in activities, chat or just chill. There is a craft tutor to help and support those interested in arts and crafts.
Some people enjoy playing card games while others prefer drawing or colouring. From time to time they show short videos about health and well-being issues and have guest speakers on topics suggested by service users.
Trips and outings are popular with service users and they hope to provide more of these in future.
At 11:30 to 12:00 each week a qualified tai chi teacher leads those who wish to take part in fairly gentle exercises that promote good physical and mental health.
