You said, we did!

You said:

We need an online social for those that couldn’t come to our in-person one, with quiz, games, and lots of fun

We did:

We organized an engaging online social event to ensure that everyone could participate, featuring entertaining quizzes, games, and plenty of laughter.

You said:

We would like the social to be at Lloyd Park and on Thursday to fit around other activities and be in the heart of the borough. 

We did:

We hosted a wonderful in-person gathering at Lloyd’s Park.

You said:

We would like picnics, music, yoga, badminton, and cricket, chance to connect with others making the most of the sunny weather!

We Did:

Delivered the activities requested.   A number of new ideas for groups were also discussed and planning is underway.  New connections were made and friendships formed. 

You said:

You wanted a mental health peer support group for all ages.   

We did:

We developed a weekly peer support group called Connect and Cope covering topics such as Anxiety, Sleep, Low Mood, Stress, Self-esteem and Grief and Bereavement.

You said:

You were looking for expert welfare benefits advice.   

We did:

We are now able to book telephone appointments on Mondays and Thursdays with Mind in Croydon’s Welfare Benefits Advice team. Also, every 2 weeks on a Friday we have a drop-in surgery with an experienced DWP advisor.

You said:

You were looking for domestic abuse support.   

We did:

As well as our in-house Domestic Abuse Advisor, we are now able to offer a monthly drop in with FJC to speak with an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate.

You said:

We want to know when you are open and when to expect a reply

We did:

We updated our website and our Infoline recorded message with the opening hours of the service (which includes when we read, listen to and respond to enquires)

You said:

We would like to be able to text an enquiry instead of phoning or emailing.

We did!

We introduced WhatsApp which enables people to text us for free. WhatsApp: 07938 716 711

We asked:

If you had a choice of paying by cash or card when purchasing meals and refreshments on our Hub days at Fairfield house which would you prefer. 

You said:

The results are back in and of the 73 people who responded over 80% stated cash as a preference. 

We did:

We will keep cash as the main option for payment at Social Networking.

You said:

We want more groups. 

We did:

We introduced Mindfulness, Men’s Group, Young People’s Group and Equine Therapy.

You said:

We want healthier snack on the Tea Bar. 

We did:

We ensured we have fruits, cereal bars and yogurts. We also provide sandwiches during the extra Hub drop-in days.

You said:

We want more guest speakers. 

We did:

We have had workshops from:

• Chef Ricardo – Healthy Juice – how juice
  benefits your body
• Specifeye Health – how physical health and
  mental health affect each other
• Croydon BME Forum – Energy saving advice
• SW Law Centre – Helping clients with
  problems such as unsuitable housing
  conditions
• Jeff Thompson.

You said:

We want regular surveys. 

We did:

We completed 2 surveys with the members around summer trips and the food menu’s.

You said:

We would like bereavement support.

We did:

We started Compassionate chat facilitated by St Christophers Hospice.

You said:

We want more drop-in times over the festive period.

We did:

We were open for members every day through the festive season except for bank holidays and sundays.

You said:

The chairs are starting to show wear and tear.

We did:

We are in the process of getting new furniture.

Actives from Home

You said:

Survey results showed a demand for more online fitness for those less able to leave their home.   

We did:

We now have an online Barre fitness which is a mix between pilates and ballet moves to music available over zoom every week.

Costs of Living

You said:

Active Minds Forum members requested for more information on the support available during the cost of living crisis.

We did:

The Welfare Benefits team and colleagues helped compile a list of help, ideas and grants available. This information is now displayed on our website