• T: 01234 310 044
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Activity Groups

Gardening

This group will help you with:

  • Working as a team member
  • An opportunity to learn
  • An interest with plants
  • Outdoor/indoor activity, exercise and interest
  • Problem solving skills
  • Opportunities for nurture
  • To get dirty
  • To make friends

Using plants as an enjoyable activity, individuals will be encouraged to learn and participate in setting up new garden areas within the DRC to provide a more pleasant environment for all. Individuals will explore the basics of plant care and design.

Working in small groups, individuals will have the opportunity to participate and contribute to plant selection, propagating, planting and upkeep.

As the project evolves, individuals will be encouraged to seek further ideas and improvements, to add to the basic layout. The different seasons and life cycles of plants will demand various levels of upkeep.

Group facilitated by: Billy Nugent

Ladies Leisure

Where is the group held?
The Oasis Leisure Pool, Cardington Road, Bedford.
Who can use Ladies' Leisure?
The session is run for the general public.
What time does the group start?
It starts at 10:30 in the water except for school holiday times when it starts at 10:00 in the water
What things happen in the group?
You will be met at the reception area at the Oasis Pool by a staff member of the Day Resource Centre at about 10:20. Then one hour Aqua Tone with a qualified tutor and after this you will have thirty minutes to spend at your leisure either swimming in the pool, use of sauna, steam room, or Jacuzzi and Showers to wash. Also there is a café to use if you wish and sometimes we meet together and chat.
How much does it cost?
£4.00 for the whole session, but if you have a Leisure card you can get in at a reduced rate.
If you are on benefits you, could get your Leisure card free
More about Leisure Cards and how to obtain one
How many people come along to each session?
This varies from week to week
How to I get to the Pool?
You have to be able to get there and back on your own
What do I need to bring with me?
Money for your entrance fee, swimwear and a towel. Also 50p for the locker which you will get back when you empty the locker.

Please speak to your Link Worker at the Day Resource Centre if you are interested

The Enthusiastic Club

  • Develop intra and inter-personal skills through the medium of drama, role-play, therapeutic games and discussion
  • Encourage self-development and awareness through the use of therapeutic media within a safe environment
  • use and develop conversation and listening skills
  • Develop the ability to trust each other within the supportive environment of the group
  • Develop levels of self-confidence and raise levels of self-esteem
  • Encourage use of and develoopment of decision making and problem solving skills
  • Provide a forum for development of leadership skills
  • Develop body and spatial awareness and the effect one's own presence has on others
  • Personal motivation and volition
  • Work as part of a team, sharing materials and space within the session
  • A forum for social interaction
  • A forum where clients can learn to accept criticism and deal with conflict
  • A forum that aids social development
  • Get competitive, have a laugh and enjoy interactive banter!

This group facilitated by: Billy Nugent and David Morley

Walking Group

The Walking Group is for anyone who wants to walk! We walk around different places and stop half way round for a drink and or cake or whatever you fancy. It's an ideal opportunity to chat and see the local scenery.

When?
Thursdays between 14:00 and 16:00
Where?
We start from the Day Resource Centre and carry on from there
Where have you walked to?
We have walked to the river, Priory Marina, town wherever you like to walk to
Why would it be good for me?
You may find it difficult to be out and about and need some help to start going out into the big wide world
Exercise is proven to be helpful with feelings of depression and isolation, healthy endorphins!
Getting out and seeing other people will also help you feel better
What do I do if I want to join the group?
Speak to your Day Resource Centre Link worker or John in the Computer Room
Do I need to wear anything special?
Comfortable footwear and a waterproof jacket, you know what the weather is like in Bedford!

Look Forward to Meeting You!

Group facilitated by: John Wiper  Wendy Griffiths

Community Groups

Men's  Group

What does the Men's Group do?
Have fun!
Spend time with other men
Go to the Cinema, play snooker, whatever you would like to do!
How many men are in this group?
5 and the group supporter
When and where?
Every other Tuesday
From 11:00 until 14:00
Would this be of benefit to me?
Yes, if you find it difficult to access leisure opportunities and need some support
Yes, if you struggle talking to other people
Yes, if you want to start getting on with your life again
Who do I talk to about joining?
If you are interested, talk to your Link Worker at the Day Resource Centre

Music Group

The Music Group is held on each Wednesday from 10:00 until 11:30.

  • An opportunity to meet people
  • Encourage a sense of fun
  • Provide an opportunity for individuals to make choices
  • Understand and respect other people's wishes
  • Raise self-esteem and confidence through general conversation
  • Provide an opportunity for enjoyment

If you are interested in joining this group, please speak to your Link Worker at the Day Resource Centre.

Group facilitated by: Billy Nugent

Out And About Group

The Out and About Group is a group that gives you the choice to visit various places of interest / towns with the support of a member of staff from the Day Resource Centre using public transport.

The group will help you build your confidence going out and about, as well as helping people who might otherwise be socially isolated. The group gives members the opportunity to talk and be socially active within the group. The group will also, enable you to enjoy lunch out with a friendly group of people and to be able to explore various places of interest that you would not have done on your own.

The group meets on the last Friday of each month from 10:00 until 14:00.

If you are interested in joining the group, please speak to your Link Worker at the Day Resource Centre.

Group facilitated by: Annie Hutchings

Supporting You Group

What is the Supporting You Group all about?
It's about meeting people in local café's / restaurants
What will I achieve by joining Supporting You Group?
You will enjoy lunch out with a friendly group of people and a chance to chat away from your home environment. It's good to talk!
Where is the group held?
You will be meet in a café of the group's choice in Bedford Town Centre#
Who can join the group?
Who ever feels it would help them

If you are interested in joining the Supporting You Group, please talk with your Link Worker.

Voice Hearers Support And Workshop

Aims and Objectives
To reduce the distress and isolation associated with hearing voices
To develop a greater understanding of voice hearing
To enable voice-hearers to gain more control over voices through the development of existing and new coping strategies
To explore the beliefs associated with hearing voices
To provide opportunities for the development of longer term networks and support for people who hear voices

Voice Hearers Support Group

The group is open to people who hear voices and live in the Bedfordshire area. The members are all people who are interested in talking about their experiences of voice hearing and would like to share these with others. Members have so far said that they have found it helpful to hear about other people's experiences as well as sharing successful ways of coping with voices.

The group meets every Wednesday between 12:00 and 13:00. There are currently 10 members and between 4-6 members attend each month.

Voice Hearers Workshops

There are a total of ten workshops which through a systematic approach aim to;

  • Help individuals to identify their experience and share with other if you so chose to do to so
  • Explore the relationships people have with their voices, the influence they have over them and how it affects their daily life
  • To understand and put into context their experiences. Clarify individual beliefs and make decisions on how they wish to move forward
  • Explore coping strategies and build upon these. Learn from others experiences
  • Develop an action plan for moving forward

Read the Voice Hearing Support Leaflet

Group facilitated by: David Morley, John Wiper and Jackie Mugridge

Women's Community Support Group

Womens Community Support Group is a group for ladies to meet and have a chat over refreshments. It's a good time for people to come together and meet in the community away from their homes and helps them feel less isolated. They order and pay for their own refreshments which gives independence and helps build their confidence.

We meet on a Tuesday morning from 10 at the Italian Café in Bedford until 11:30. The café has a very relaxed atmosphere and the staff are really friendly.

If you would wish to join this group, you will need to talk with your Link Worker at the Day Resource Centre or Wendy Griffiths who is often based in the Computer Room at the Day Resource Centre.

Group facilitated by: Wendy Griffiths

Education Groups

Computer Group

  • To improve peoples knowledge of computers
  • To provide a relaxed friendly atmosphere
  • To enable self-paced learning
  • to enable people to move on to further study
  • To encourage and develop personal skills
  • to encourage fun and enjoyment
  • To enable more effective time keeping
  • To encourage group members to make their own choices

The Computer Group is facilitated by two volunteers. Group members are encouraged to manage their own learning, for example creating web sites. People can attend either a "drop in" or a more formal "time slot" attendance.

Group members are encouraged to choose what skills they wish to learn/improve, the teaching is then geared to that purpose.

The Computer Group runs Monday to Thursday from 10:00-1600.

Group facilitated by: John Wiper and Wendy Griffiths

Certificated Art Group

The group is tutored by (Sparks) Adult Learning and a group facilitator from the Day Resource Centre will be in the session as well. For this group you will have to fill in an application form. The course is free of charge.

The course starts in September and runs through to the following summer.

Breaks usually coincide with the colleges / school holidays.

It is held in the Art Room at the Day Resource Centre.

You will use many different mediums of art materials which will be provided by the Day Resource Centre.

The session runs each week for two hours.

The work will be yours once it has been assessed by the college for your Certificate.

You will also have the opportunity once a year to have your work exhibited free of charge in the Eagle Art Gallery, Castle Road, Bedford.

It's a chance to meet new people in a safe environment.

If you are interested in art and never had the courage, speak to your Link Worker and they will see if there's a place availabe to join.

Psychosocial Groups

Anxiety Management Group

What is anxiety? / What causes it?

Anxiety is the feeling we get when our body responds to a frightening or threatening experience.

Anxiety is often the bodies responses to stress, although some of us may be a bit prone to anxiety and worry than others.

Anxiety becomes a problem when the symptoms are;

  • Severe and unpleasant
  • Happening too often
  • Stopping us doing what we want to do

What will I achieve from the Anxiety Management Group?

  • To share experiences and learn different ways of managing anxiety
  • To learn the benefits of relaxation
  • For individuals to manage their anxiety, and become self therapists
  • To normalise the experience of anxiety
How many people will be in the group?
Between 8 and 10
How long will the group run for?
There are 8 sessions which last two hours with a break for coffee

Topics covered in this course include the following;

  • What is anxiety?
  • It's the thought that counts
  • Unhelpful thinking
  • Negative automatic thoughts
  • Overcoming avoidance
  • Assertiveness
  • Coping with set backs

Does the Anxiety Management Group sound like it might be useful to you?

It yes, have a chat with your Link Worker at the Day Resource Centre and they will refer you for an appointment.

Assertiveness/Stress Management Group

What is stress?

Life is often stressful, and it is easy for pressures to build up. We can't find ways to reduce the pressure we put on ourselves. Such as:

  • Identifying situation your find stressful
  • Take steps to tackle what it is about these situations that you find stressful
  • Ensuring you have time for things you enjoy
  • Eat a well balanced diet

What is assertiveness?

Assertiveness is respecting yourself, recognising your own needs and wants, setting clear boundaries.

What will I achieve from the group

  • To identify individual goals
  • To promote group support and the sharing of experiences
  • To learn the benefits of relaxation
  • To promote stress management
  • To practice being assertive

How long will the group run for?

The group runs for 6 sessions lasting 2 hours with a coffee break

Session 1:
What is stress?
Session 2:
Assertiveness skills
Session 3:
Thinking styles
Session 4:
Self-esteem
Session 5:
Managing sleep and anger
Session 6:
Recovery

Does the Stress / Assertiveness Group sound like it might be of use to you?

If yes, have a chat with your Link Worker at the Day Resource Centre.

Group Psychotherapy At The Day Resource Centre

This information is designed to give you some basic information about Group Psychotherapy.

We hope it will help you to decide whether Group Psychotherapy would be of benefit to you.

What is psychotherapy group?
A psychotherapy group consists of up to eight group members who meet for an hour and a half once weekly
there may be one to two group therapists who will sit with you
Group members bring with them their issues in life and a desire to share with others
Thr Group space is a safe and protected therapeutic envirionment
What the Group boundaries?
Group boundaries protect the group so it is a space where people feel safe
What is heard and talked bout in the group must not be repeated or discussed outside the group
Group members must not meet outside the group as this can affect the sense of safety in the group
What is the Group Process?
The commitment of group members create a setting in which interpersonal issues are explored within the relationships you build with the other members and the Group conductor
The safe therapeutic space will enable you to talk about the difficulties you may be experiencing resulting from any form of trauma as an adult or child and develop ways of connecting with the feelings that may arise
What does the group therapist do?
The group therapist will maintain the boundaries of the Group
The group therapist may comment on the process observed in the group with the aim of enhancing the group's ability to reflect on what is being experienced by the individual and the group
The group therapist does not lead the group, set an agenda or give any specific advice
What should I do if I am unable to attend the group session?
Ideally we ask that you discuss any absence in advance with the group
If you are unable to attend please contact Day Resource Centre reception 01234 310 044 and leave a message for the group therapist who will take it to the group
It is important that the group are aware of why you have not attended
What should I do if I want to leave Group therapy?
You will need to talk to the group about wishing to leave and plan a leaving date to ensure that you and the group have enough time to talk through the ending process
How long should I attend the Group?
We recommend you make a commitment to stay in the group for a year
Remaining in the group will be continuously discussed during your therapy
Any other questions?
Please talk to your Link Worker or group therapist

 Anthony Barron  Jackie Mugridge

Women's Support Group

Question: When?
Answer: Every other Tuesday
Question: Time?
Answer: 14:00 until 15:00
Question: Where?
Answer: The Group Room at the Day Resource Centre
Question: How will the Group support me?
Answer; "It is entirely up to the individual, some people get comfort and support by hearing shared experiences or by being able to talk freely to people who have a better insight into what you are going through. Also, just being able to spend an hour in a calm secure environment with 'normal' people who just have problems in certain areas of their life. Sometimes, swapping tips on ways to cope and get through difficult times in a non-judgemental and understanding group can be really helpful"
"By offering a friendly ear to listen without being judgemental and by showing empathy and offering helpful suggestions where possible."
"With conversation, meeting people and remembering what people have said."
"It's a chance to talk to other people who are in a similar situation to you. A chance to make friends and just have a chat about anything and everything, not necessarily concerning mental health. Talk in a secure environment where what you say remains in the group."
"1. By being there for me
2. By being approachable, open and honest in discussions
3. Through collective thought, opinions and ideas
4. The group can best support me and others by diplomatic constructive criticism"
Question: Can I meet with group members outside the group?
"If others want to, personally, I don't have a problem with this, provided a persons confidentiality is respected
"Again, it is purely personal, there is not a definitive no, by bear in mind that some people consider the group as an escape from everyday life and want to keep it totally separate. So be careful when suggesting outside meetings"
"Yes. Friendships can form in the group which develop outside the group"
"It would be good to go for a walk with a friend"
"There are no restrictions to meeting other members outside the group if you want to"
Question: How many women attend the group?
Answer: The group has ten spaces
Question: Will I be expected to talk?
"Eventually, you will probably be very nervous at the beginning, but once you feel comfortable and safe, you'll find it easier to talk and share experiences. There is no such thing as the 'wrong thing to say' and whatever you say in the room, STAYS in the room"
"You will not be expected to talk but you will be encouraged to talk as much as you feel comfortable to"
"There is no expectations on anyone. If you just want to listen that is fine, but it is nice if each person contributes when they feel able. You will often find that your will not be the only person who has thoughts and feelings like your own. Shared experiences can be helpful to others"
"It would be nice if everyone who wants to, has the opportunity to speak. But, nobody should be pressurised into doing so. All this would do is alienate people more and then they may be forced to leave the group all together"
Question: Who can I contact to ask about a space in the Group?
Answer: Jo Prior at the Day Resource Centre on 01234 310 044

The information about the Women's Support Group at the Day Resource Centre was written by the Women's Support Group in 2007

Group facilitated by: Jo Prior

Special Interest Groups

Monday Art Group

The Monday Art Group provides an opportunity to join other people in a friendly and supportive group. Giving you the chance to express yourself creatively using the materials provided at the Day Resource Centre. Alternatively, you are welcome to work on your own project or piece of work.

The group runs on Mondays from 10:30 until 12:00.

If you are interested in joining the group, please speak to your Link Worker at the Day Resource Centre.

Collage And Painting

When does the group take place?
Thursday mornings at 10:00 until 10:45
What does the group do?
Experiment with different materials
Create different works of art or collage
Give you a space to spend time with other people doing something you enjoy doing
What would I get out of attending this group at the Day Resource Centre?
You may rekindle your love of creation and creativity
You might feel pleased with what you have created
You could display your work if you wish
You could exhibit your work at the Eagle Art Gallery during the exhibition we run every year
You may make some friends
How many people attend this group?
Between 4 and 6 with 2 group facilitators
Where does the group take place?
In the Art room at the Day Resource Centre
Who do I speak to about joining?
Speak to your Link Worker at the Day Resource Centre

Film Group

Where and when does the Film Group take place?
On Monday afternoons
The Day Resource Centre sitting room
13:30 until 15:30
Why would I come to watch a film at the Day Resource Centre?
It's free!
The group also shares opinions and views about the film
You get to choose the film for the next week after discussion with the rest of the group
what would I get out of attending the Film Group?
This might be the first step into getting back into feeling interested in things
You get to meet some people who have similar interests
How many people attend this group?
Between 8 and 10
Who do I speak to about joining the group?
Speak to your Link Worker at the Day Resource Centre

Open Craft

Open craft is an opportunity to join others in an open friendly group to experiment with craft materials, either using craft material from the Day Resource Centre or bring in your own project.

Stay for as long as you like during the session as this is a drop-in group.

Things you can make:
Cards
Placemats
Knitting
Beadwork
Sewing
Soft toys
Felt work
Leatherwork

...and much more.

Referral can be made by your Link Worker or care co-ordinator.

Group facilitated by: Siobhan Brook

Pottery Group

What is the Pottery Group all about?
Having fun with clay
What will I achieve from pottery?
To become more creative, enjoy social interaction and produce and end product
Where is it held?
It is held in the Art Room at the Day Resource Centre which is a very safe environment
Who can do pottery?
Anyone who wishes to come along

Relaxation

Relaxation is held in the Social Drama room which is situated at the back of the building in the Day Resource Centre

Over the weeks we will try different relaxation techniques, a few examples:

  • Focussed Breathing
  • Progressive Relaxation
  • Stretch and Relax

The session lasts for approximately one hour.

There is usually no more than six to seven people in the session.

While doing the relaxation exercises you may sit or lie down, this is your choice.

Hopefully, in time you will find a technique that suits you.

Each person, in time will get to know themselves better and hopefully know what to do when they are feeling tense and need to relax.

At the end of each session, we have a short discussion on what techniques we used that day.

From time to time you will be given a handout on some techniques that you can practice at home.

This group is for people that feel they need to learn how to relax more. If you are interested please speak to your Link Worker at the Day Resource Centre.