Social Networking took some of their clients on the first outing for the new Summer Programme to Coombe Woods in Croydon.
“We had a wonderful time looking at the stunning plants, exploring the woods, admiring the fishes in the pond, navigating the rockery walk and having a hot lunch.
We also managed to jump on the tram before the heavens opened!”
Daphne Bastians
A day trip was organised in April which made the Chelsea Flower show look like a window box. Yes, I am talking Kew Gardens! From towering tree walks to hidden horticulture, and gigantic green houses to prominent pagodas!
Our group from the Hub took the train to Richmond and then the Piccadilly line to Kew Bridge station. Here we arrived at the Victoria Gate Kew Gardens entrance. We split up into 3 groups and explored at our own pace. The weather was beautiful and sunny all afternoon which was a real bonus!
Kew Gardens requires at least a day to explore as it is absolutely huge. Many visitors take the Kew Explorer Land Train to get around the gardens which is definitely worthwhile if you are limited on time, whilst others prefer to take a leisurely stroll around specific areas of the grounds.
Peter (One of our photographers on the day) advised visitors to put aside a whole day to appreciate Kew fully, adding; “I would have liked more time to explore”.
The Tree Walk was a popular attraction and Helen and Anthony reflected on their personal experiences: “I did the tree walk, but found it scary!”. This was echoed by Helen; “I’m glad I did the tree walk, as it feels like an achievement, but it was a challenge when I realised how high it was”. Not for the faint hearted!
Preferring to keep their feet firmly on the ground, Abdi, Robert, Quetan and Danny explored the huge tropical green houses. Abdi stated that he liked their tropical climate. Robert found the colours of the flowers pretty and liked their smell.
Sandra Dewar enjoyed Kew’s peaceful surroundings and told me that she really enjoyed the 1:1 time with Elvette as they drifted around the gardens.
I must finally say that everyone on the Kew trip was blossoming with enthusiasm for the trip and we planted a seed for future visits!
David Beall
The Women’s Football Taster Session yesterday was a big success.
Regular sessions will now start from Thursday 22nd June 2017 and will run weekly each Thursday after from 12pm-1pm.
If you are interested in joining please contact Matthew on 020 8253 8208 or matthew@mindincroydon.org.uk.
More information can be found on the poster below.
Active Minds are running a taster session for Women’s Football.
This will take place no Thursday 1st June, 12pm-1pm at Sanderstead Recreation Ground.
For more information see the poster below or contact Matthew on 020 8253 8208 or matthew@mindincroydon.org.uk.
Active Minds have a New Outdoor Tennis Group starting Monday 15th May.
The group will meet every Monday from 1pm until 2pm and will be supported by one of our volunteers.
For more information see the poster below or contact Active Minds on 020 8253 8205/6/8 or activeminds@mindincroydon.org.uk
Active Minds are running three sets of 4 week golf courses.
Each course will include 3 weeks of practise on a driving range followed by 1 week on a 9-hole course.
The first course will start on Tuesday 29th November 2016 at 11am
for more information contact Active Minds on 020 8253 8206 or email activeminds@mindincroydon.org.uk.
Active Minds are running a 5 week golf course starting on the 22nd February 2016.
This course is suitable for complete beginners. It will teach you to develop the skills to play golf through a range of fun games and team competitions.
On the final week we will take a trip to the driving range.
All equipment provided and the course is FREE!
Text your name to 07858 361857 to book your place!
For more information contact Active Minds on:
Tel: 020 8253 8205/6
email: activeminds@mindincroydon.org.uk
On Sunday 26th June 2016 we will be holding our fourth Positive Steps charity walk event in Lloyd Park.
The walk itself is three laps of a 5k route around Lloyd Park we encourage people to come along and do as little or as much as they want.
The event aims to raise awareness about mental health and the importance of wellbeing.
You can register online or download a registration form to fill in and post back to us.
Registration Form
(cheques to be made payable to Mind in Croydon Ltd)
Active Minds are starting a new course of Walking Basketball at the end of January! It’s just the same as normal basketball but you have to walk rather than run – the idea is that it makes the game more inclusive because you don’t have to be mega-fit or fast to participate.
All abilities and all fitness levels are welcome! And you pay week by week, so ideal if you just want to give it a try.
Places are limited.
To book your places or for more information contact:
Tel: 020 8253 8205
Email: getsettogo@mindincroydon.org.uk
Positive Steps 2015,
Well the weatherman predicted rain all day. Which shows how much he knows! Whilst we did get a little sprinkling of the wet stuff it didn’t dampen the spirits of everyone involved in this year’s Mind in Croydon Positive Steps Walk. Now in its third year Positive Steps is all about raising awareness of mental health, bringing down some of the barriers people face but mainly to have fun and feel good.
On the day we had over 20 willing volunteers to man the stewarding points, register walkers, generally move, carry and organise, and at one point even hold down the gazebo while we tried to secure it in what felt like a hurricane. Our volunteers were joined by 52 walkers, 30-40 supporters and well-wishers and thanks to a bouncy castle and face painting, generously supplied by Croydon Heart Town, a lot of passing families – although it was at times difficult to remove Mind in Croydon staff from the bouncy castle in order to let the smaller children have a go.
Once we had everything laid out, put up and tied down the day began with a passionate talk from Kevin Day. His honesty and emotion when talking about the challenges his family have recently faced moved everyone assembled but he still found the time in his introduction to be very funny.
The following drum and dance workshop provided by Mango Tree Fit got everyone in the mood for the day. I can definitely recommend a bit of drumming to raise your spirits and loosen the muscles.
And then they were off, our hardy walkers ranging from twins aged five to a Mind in Croydon volunteer aged 74 set off to cover 15km of Lloyd Park cheered on by the gathered crowd. The walkers supported each other as well as receiving encouragement from the stewards dotted around the course and other people out enjoying the park.
Barely an hour later the front runners (or rather walkers) passed the 5km mark and embarked on their second lap. With people joining after the official start it was sometimes difficult to tell who was where but as it wasn’t a race that really didn’t matter. In a very respectable time the last of the walkers passed the 5km mark, some opting to continue, and some retiring having reached their personal goal. The wonderful thing about splitting the 15km into 3 laps is that people who perhaps are less agile or marshalling children can set their own target, receive the coveted Positive Steps medal and feel that sense of achievement.
And then all too soon it was over, all the walkers safe and accounted for, stewards back at base for a welcome cup of tea, last few members of Mind in Croydon staff removed from the bouncy castle and plans for next year already being discussed.
With huge thanks to Croydon Council, Croydon Heart Town, Mango Tree Fit, Striders, LV, Veolia, Cheap Leaflets, The Radio Company and Kevin Day. But the biggest thanks must go to all of the volunteers who make this event possible and all of the walkers for helping to end mental health stigma
See you next year?
Peter
(Photo’s from the event can be seen on Facebook)
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