Some people find staying active helps, and others may benefit from social interaction. For others, learning a new skill or doing something creative may be the key to influencing their health and overall wellbeing.
The Wellbeing Hub at the Woodlands offers a range of activities to help people living with long term conditions or progressive illness to achieve these aims.
One such activity is the Creative Café, an informal group which meets for two hours each week and includes a craft activity or game, time to chat, and a friendly space to meet with other people.
The social group is for people living with a long-term condition or progressive illness.
Pauline accesses several services at St Teresa’s Hospice and said, “Coming here helps with my wellbeing and independence. I come to the Creative Café and Tai Chi group. I feel really welcomed at the Hospice; everyone is so nice.”
The Creative Café allows people to learn new skills, or in Pauline’s case put previously learned skills to the test: “I always liked art so I enjoy the Creative Café. When I retired, I made wedding cakes until I was 75.”
At a session in March the group made beautiful Mother’s Day cards, or greetings cards to give to other loved ones. Coming together as a group to work on projects such as this has many benefits, including the opportunity to socialise with others with similar health problems.
“Coming here really lifts me up” commented David, a regular attendee since the Creative Café started. “Being able to socialise with others makes such a difference. I have made new friends. I met Malcolm who also comes here each week and he’s become a great friend. Last week we went for a trip together to Locomotion at Shildon to see Stephenson’s Rocket. We forgot to call at a pub on the way back but that’s a good excuse for another trip!”
The range of activities on offer means that group members can attempt things they wouldn’t have tried otherwise, as David discovered: “I really enjoyed flower arranging and would never have given it a go. It’s a brilliant place.”
Joining a new group and meeting others can be daunting. The Wellbeing Hub team works with each individual to find a plan of support that’s right for their needs, and practitioners work hard to create a friendly, welcoming environment.
Dorothy began attending the Creative Café and other Wellbeing Hub activities in March. She said, “I find it difficult mixing with others sometimes, but everyone has been so friendly and it’s very relaxed. I feel so welcomed.
I enjoy the Creative Café. I used to do embroidery, gardening, and other activities but because of my health I am restricted now in what I can do. Coming to the Creative Café means I can carry on doing things like that.”
The Wellbeing Hub is all about enjoying life; understanding yourself better, getting the good information and support you need, and feeling the benefit of connecting with others.
To join the Creative Café or for information on other groups held at The Woodlands Wellbeing Hub, please contact us on 01325 254321 or email hello@darlingtonhospice.org.uk
