Are there any opportunities for people with mental health problems to socialise or meet others?

There are plenty of opportunities to socialise with new people and take part in activities provided by charities and voluntary groups within St Helens:

St Helens Wellbeing Service can help you to access a range of local community groups, free activities and support in the local area for your social wellbeing.

Wellbeing Enterprise CIC- through social prescribing can provide a range of activities for people who would like to learn new skills, meet friends and find out about some top tips to improve wellbeing.

St Helens Mind works with people who are isolated due to mental health problems, and aims to improve their quality of life by helping them to become more independent and involved within the community. They provide a befriending service, support groups, monthly social events (e.g. film mornings, trips out, walks, holidays) and an opportunity to become involved with their allotment project.

The Hope Centre run a course called ‘BREATHE’, aimed at improving the health wellbeing of people who have experienced mental health problems, social exclusion and isolation. The course is ideal for those who feel that they need more confidence, and includes a number of life skills courses where the individual can choose to do one course or take the journey through the complete programme.

Photographic Minds is a local voluntary group that meets up on a weekly basis at the Millennium Centre as a social group, where members have the chance to meet up and discuss photography that they have taken during that week. The group regularly goes out together on photography trips and holidays, and have previously had their work displayed at public exhibitions.

The Oasis Group is a drop-in session for people with wide-ranging mental health issues (e.g. anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dual diagnosis etc) and their Carers. The aim of the group is to socialise and have fun in a friendly environment, and activities include bingo, quizzes and guest speakers. Meetings are held every Monday at 11am at the United Reformed Church.

Earlestown Social Group provide social support and various activities in a friendly and informal group setting for people who have experienced mental health problems. The group meets up on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Crownway Community Centre.

There are also local support groups for specific groups of people or mental health problems, such as:

  • Women: Chrysalis Centre for Change, St Helens Mind, Together
  • Men: St Helens Mind
  • Bipolar disorder: Bi-Polar UK
  • Self-harm: No Secrets
  • Addiction: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Change, Grow, Live (CGL)
  • Rape and sexual abuse: RASASC

There is also a range of activities and classes available through the Health Improvement Team, local Community Centres and Leisure Centres.