Image Caption, Sharon Lockhard says it's 'important we reunite in a friendly and safe environment' after coronavirus lockdown Article Information Author, Cad Taylor Role, BBC News, Suffolk
3 hours ago
Support groups for people with mental health problems have emphasized “safe spaces'' within the community.
The Phoenix Project, a social project in Ipswich, has a club that meets on Fridays, offering morning activities as well as the opportunity to chat and have lunch at the Quaker Meeting House on Foneleau Road.
Participants Tracy and Paul say it's crucial to know where to go in the city to receive a warm welcome, especially if you're suffering from anxiety, stress or mental health issues.
This is a franchise founded about 10 years ago that offers food, games, or a place to sit and spend time.
Manager Sharon Lockhart said she and her husband, Rob, liked the idea of coming together to play games and help others make friends, adding that as parents of an autistic child, the space was appropriate. He said he established the Ipswich branch in search of 2021 on Upper Brook Street.
She says that for some people, participating in activities relieves the stress of having to talk about themselves.
“Following the pandemic, especially in a dying town center like Ipswich, it was important to reunite in a friendly and safe environment,” Ms Lockhart said.
“You can wear it with pride.” [mental health] This store's label says…it's dog-friendly. ”
image captionCoffee Crawls are held every Wednesday at a different venue, including Honey & Harvey near the Corn Exchange and King Street Cinema
Coffee Crawl is a social group that meets on Wednesday mornings to chat over drinks at a different store each week. In fact, it's happening this Wednesday at Geek Retreat.
They say it's all about just coming and meeting like-minded people in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. It's great for everyone because you get to make friends.
Community garden and physical wellbeing project ActivLives was founded 16 years ago and is based in Maidenhall.
Jack, assistant site manager, says the eco-friendly activities offered by ActivGardens can dramatically improve your mental health, just by getting you out in the fresh air and closer to nature.
Carl, who is part of this group, says it has changed his life. “It’s both work and social, and it makes you feel like you’re contributing to something, that you’re part of something.
“Sometimes, if you’re here, you can just sit for 10 minutes and then have a cup of tea.
“Everyone is going through something, but the idea is to enjoy the day a little bit.”
image captionActivGardens is one of the projects alongside ActivHubs, ActivSport and ActivSingers
Norwich Road is home to The Hive, a cultural community center based in the former West End Music Shop. We offer free language groups, social sessions, sewing and craft workshops, and we also have a lovely garden project where people can spend time outdoors in the urban part of the city.
Omar O'Connor, who supported one of Tuesday's social sessions, said The Hive had a unique offer in bringing together so many different people.
Anyone can come here to meet others, participate in arts and crafts, create a podcast, or help with the garden.
The Phoenix group said there were other mental health safe spaces in the town and they were in discussions about producing leaflets in the future.
