Do you live in Plymouth and feel isolated in lockdown?
Are you feeling cut off from your social support network?
Have your usual support services been suspended while the NHS responds to the coronavirus crisis?
Our groups offer a “check in” to share how individuals are feeling, a short, guided, mindful meditation, a mindful drawing exercise, an easy art project, and an opportunity for chatting and social connection. These are an adaptation of groups we were holding in the community in pubs and cafes, before COVID-19.
We are currently, voluntarily, delivering three groups per week using Zoom video software and Facebook Live. Viewers can join in by video chat, or by commenting on Facebook.
The local services on which mental health patients rely, have been suspended as resources are diverted to deal with the virus. Many other services across the NHS have also been closed. We have gathered several written testimonials from users of our service, before and after COVID-19. who have said our continuing mindful art club as an online source of support has been vital to their mental health. Our groups have always aimed to combat social isolation.
Our online classes are already attracting hundreds of viewers and dozens of comments, with positive feedback that indicate we are succeeding in easing the sense of social isolation brought about by the current lockdown. Our first online class was broadcast live on Facebook on 18th March 2020; since then we have been getting about 1000 views per video. Our clients have reported feeling supported, and connected, enjoying the art, learning how mindfulness can calm anxiety, having time for self-awareness, and being able to chat openly without judgement. One of our clients told us,
“The group has been a god-send as it’s provided me with support on so many levels. It’s been so beneficial to my wellbeing, especially at this time of lockdown as all other lines of (cancer) support have been suspended. It’s a great source of support being able to connect with people who are also struggling with their mental health. The meditation and art has helped focus my mind and helped me to be calm and find inner peace. By the time the class has ended I feel positive and ready to take on the world knowing I am not alone.”
To join in with a live group:
- Visit our Facebook page at 10.00 am on Monday or Wednesday
- If you are in recovery from addiction join us on Fridays for Create Your Recovery.
- You will need a pen, felt tips, some paper and a cup of tea or coffee
- Watch our live Facebook video and join in with the group by typing your comments below the video
- Optional: Join in with the video chat using Zoom, free video conferencing software. You can join in just with audio if you don’t want to be on video. Be aware that the Zoom meeting will be recorded so if you are not happy to be recorded please join us on Facebook instead of Zoom.
We look forward to seeing you at an online group soon!
