Day service takes its work online to reduce social isolation

A DAY service that supports Warrington people with mental health conditions has taken its work online in an attempt to reduce social isolation caused by the Coronavirus situation.
Bingo, karaoke and other games, exercise and cookery sessions are just some of the ways Warrington Day Service is continuing to reach out to its 70 regular attenders.
The service, based in Allen Street and operated by Warrington-based national adult health and social care charity Making Space, closed its doors on March 17 in line with government advice on social distancing.
But service manager Claire Jones (pictured) says although shutting up shop is best for attenders’ physical health, they are now more at risk than ever from isolation.
She said: “Many of our regulars live alone and coming to the centre gets them out the house, gives their day some structure and helps them to meet other people and make friends – all really important when you are living with a mental health condition.
“Obviously they can’t do this face-to-face at the moment, so we have taken our service online and now have a full timetable of group activities, with something happening every day.
“We have already run quizzes, bingo and exercise sessions and are hoping to start a book club, language lessons and group cookery sessions really soon.
“Members tell us that the sessions are the highlight of their day and we are enjoying running them as much as they are enjoying taking part. Some of the ideas are ours, and others, including a hilarious game of Play Your Cards Right and an impromptu karaoke singalong, are being led by our members.”
On top of the online group activities, Claire and her staff team are still providing one-to-one  mental health support over the ‘phone, as well as assisting members with practical issues including registering as vulnerable, completing online shopping orders and learning how to use the online platform Zoom to take part in group sessions.
You can self refer to the Warrington Day Service by calling 07813 557 874, emailing [email protected]