A community group is providing vital support for people with mental health issues in Driffield.
The group which is run as part of Hull and East Yorkshire Mind’s Reach Out Project, offers a social environment, support network and an opportunity for confidence building to those suffering from mental health issues ranging from depression to anxiety and stress.
The Reach Out Project is an open access service promoting good mental health and well being through one to one development, courses and group work.
The group, which takes place at Driffield Community Centre on three Monday’s each month is run by Maddi Masterson a development worker for Hull and East Yorkshire Mind and provides irreplaceable support to its ever growing membership with the help of volunteers.
Maddi, who came up with the groups slogan ‘Want to banish the blues?’ said: “People can come and join in with the social group, there’s tea, coffee and biscuits and we always have a laugh.
“I’m as much a part of the group as anyone.”
“We meet and talk and share information, play cards, try out the Wii games, use relaxation techniques. Just now I am running a small workshop for the group on Goal setting and action planning. It’s a really informal atmosphere with a mixed age range.”
“I’m so proud to have something like this in Driffield where there hasn’t been this kind of group before.” she added.
The group is open to anyone who suffer from mental health issues including loneliness and isolation aged 16 and upwards with the current oldest member being 90. Members can either join the group via referral from services such as G. P’s, social services and the Council or can refer themselves to the group by contacting Maddi and attending a meeting.
Maddi said: “It’s hugely beneficial from a social point of view, a lot of people wouldn’t go anywhere.
“It’s about social inclusion, about doing things they didn’t think they could do before.”
Barbara who has been a member of the group for a month, has realised these goals and is now an active and committed member of the group, she said: “I have got a lot of support from the group since my husband has been poorly.
“My husband is in Northfield Manor and I used to lock myself away, it’s a place to go where I can talk to somebody. I can talk to Maddi if anything is bothering me.”
Another member of the group added: “I was socially isolated for a lot of years but this gives you a reason to have to come out. There are a lot of reasons not to come out but this is a big reason to come out.”
Alan added: “It’s social- something to do on a Monday because I have nothing on on a Monday.”
Another member added: “I have a lot of problems at home, when I come here they seem to disappear. While I’m out my mind seems to less affected.”
The group have also begun to socialise outside of the Community Centre, during weeks in which the Reach Out session does not run the group have begun meeting as a self support group in Driffield’s Silks Cafe.
Between them the group have developed a set of group rules which allow members to talk confidentially and with freedom in a trusting environment.
Maddi said: “For many people this is the first time they might have talked.”
One group member said: “We can come and say what we want to say, it’s confidential.”
The next step for Driffield’s Reach Out Group is to allow members to take control of what the group does during meetings.
Maddi said: “The group is developing, I want the group to get to the stage where they’re making all the decisions about what we do.”
Maddi also runs a Reach Out Group in Bridlington along with volunteer Julie who invests a lot of time in helping with the Reach Out sessions.
Reach Out are also holding a free five week WEA art activities course beginning on Monday February 27 from 1pm - 3pm for beginners at Driffield Community Centre.
For those interested in joining the Reach Out social group an Open Day will be held on March 27 from 10am - 3pm at the Old Parcels Office, Bridlington Station where their will be an opportunity to meet the team, enjoy a free buffet and find out what Reach Out have to offer.
Those interested in joining a social group, attending the WEA art activities course or receiving one to one support for mental health issues can contact Maddi by phone: 07855226586 or email: mmasterson@mindhey.co.uk.
For further information on Reach Out and Mind call the information line on: 01482 240133.