A social group is giving older people and their carers a much-needed place to get informal support for their mental wellbeing.
The Older People’s Community Mental Health team in Thurrock – made up of professionals from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) and Thurrock Council – runs a weekly Community Coffee Group at Grays Town Park Café.
The social group is open to people who are mainly aged over 65 and have cognitive impairment such as dementia or mental health conditions. It is also open to their carers and family members.
Social connections are important for mental health and wellbeing.
Meena Mitra, whose father was diagnosed with vascular dementia last year, takes her father to the Community Coffee Group to play cards with other people.
He said: “As we were coming out of the Memory Clinic saw a flyer about the social club at Dad’s favourite park.
“He absolutely loves it. He’s always loved playing cards. He doesn’t know everyone’s names but he recognises people and smiles.
“It’s really lonely being a carer. People don’t knock on your door, people don’t phone or send messages.
“My dad doesn’t get any conversation with anyone. When you first get a diagnosis you’ve got all the practical help you need but when I asked ‘who’s there for me?’ there was no answer to that.
“This group has been brilliant and I have asked if there is any possibility to have a few days in between and have another activity so I can get my dad out of the house and teach him another board game.
“When someone is content, I think the carer is more relaxed.”
Martin Heward discovered the group by chance while on a walk through the park.
“Every time it’s sunny it inspires me to come out,” he said.
“It’s the social aspect and getting to know people.
“I suffer from paranoid schizophrenia and there’s no other similar groups in Grays.
“There are a lot of people with mental health problems who really need support, have a cup of coffee or tea, sit down and have a chat.”
The Older People’s Community Mental Health team set up the Community Coffee Group last August after listening to feedback from patients and their loved ones. It meets every Wednesday 2pm to 4pm at Grays Town Park Café, RM17 6QZ.
They also formed a Club and Diamond group for people who use the team’s services to play games, do some creative activities, or just enjoy a chat over a hot drink. It meets every Tuesday 2pm to 3pm at Grays Town Park Café.
Community Psychiatric Nurse Ray Francis said: “The feedback we get for both groups has been really positive.
“One person told us how much they looked forward to coming because they said it’s a nice place to meet others and it feels safe.”
“It really is about teamwork, offering choices for people and supporting positive wellbeing.”
Anyone who is receiving help from mental health services and would like more information about the social groups can call Ray on 07796 145922 or email [email protected]