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The Social Club on World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is a chance for everyone to reflect on what makes them happy and what makes them sad – and what they can do to best protect their own mental health and well-being, It’s also a chance to think about where we can go for help if we need it.
The Accomplish Social Club holds regular online events including coffee mornings, quizzes and book clubs as well as crafting sessions. We caught up with some of the people who regularly come along (virtually) to the weekly coffee morning to ask them what good mental health means to them.
As everyone settles down with their cup of tea or coffee and, in some cases, a slice of cake, it’s clear that one of the things which makes people happy is coming along to the Social Club Coffee Morning. Everyone’s keen to share their views on mental health and well-being.
The themes which come up are probably not surprising. There’s lots of agreement that everyone feels sad when they don’t see family or friends as often as they like and that being bored is also something which can cause depression and feeling “blue”.
Christina says that the thing which can leave her feeling most sad and unsettled is when there are unexpected changes to her routine, while Bill says he wishes he still had a job as he liked to take care of people.
There’s similarities too in the sorts of things people do which make them feel better too. Almost everyone says that playing music (and even dancing or singing along) makes them feel better. Although there’s quite a difference in the sorts of music that does the trick from relaxing sounds through to Richard’s favourites of Madness and Blondie!
Getting out and about and being busy is also key; again, almost everyone says that being busy and doing the things they enjoy regularly is really helpful for their good mental health – particularly if people are also seeing their loved ones at the same time.
Chris says: “The thing that makes me the happiest is going to see my Mum. She makes me dinner and she bakes and we have chats. It always makes me happy.”
Brenda says: “Keeping busy helps me stay happy, and I also like seeing my brother – we didn’t see each other for three years because of lockdown so to see him is wonderful. I also like to get fresh air and to listen to music and do crosswords.”
Amy recently celebrated her 30th birthday and says the celebrations made her very happy, especially a trip in a specially-hired limousine. She said: “Seeing my Mum is the thing that makes me happy. It makes me glow.”
Pete says a bit of cheeky brotherly “banter” is what keeps him most cheerful, but that having responsibility and purpose is also really important too. When a person moved into the service which supports Pete, he has been key in helping them settle in and getting to know them. This has been beneficial for both of their mental health and well-being.
Annie says that for her, getting out and about to the shops and for coffee is a big part in her happiness – along with cuddling her baby nephew! “That always cheers me up” she says!
Christina also enjoys yoga and relaxation which hasn’t only been good for her mental health but also her confidence as she has joined a local group which she attends independently.
And where do people go if they need help when they feel sad? Again, there’s a consistent theme. Everyone says they would initially either ask the staff team where they live for help, particularly the person who is their key workers, or they speak to their family and friends. Everyone says the staff who support them help them find ways to feel better.
Some services such as Westhope Mews hold sessions aimed specifically at supporting people’s well-being – including Tuesday nights when people get together to talk about the kind or thoughtful things which others have done for them, which creates a lovely air of positivity. It also encourages people to do nice things for each other and think carefully about how words and actions can affect others. Christina leads the group in 10 minutes of gentle relaxation and there’s also positive affirmations where people share what they like or admire about each other.
The coffee morning draws to a close with a reminder of the week’s other events and lots of smiles and cheery goodbyes…. An hour enjoyed and an hour sure to have had a positive impact on everyone’s mental health and well-being.
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