Peer-Supported Mental Health Social Activities
Kendal
We provide three weekly mental health social activities Drop-In sessions at Stricklandgate House, 92 Stricklandgate, Kendal, LA9 4PU. The building is fully accessible, with a lift. In addition, Stricklandgate House has level access entry/egress at the rear via the Library Road cark park.
Tuesday 10:00 to 12:00
This mixed (all genders) group is open to everyone over 18.
Wednesday 13:00 to 15:00
A women-only group – open to ALL women, again for those over 18.
Thursday 13:00 to 15:00
Another mixed (all genders) group, open to everyone over 18.
Grange over Sands
At Grange, we provide a weekly Drop-In session at Community Foodshare, Main Street, Grange over Sands, LA11 6DP. The building, which is on a hill, is fully accessible but has no nearby vehicle parking.
Monday 13:30 to 16:00
Held every Monday (except Bank Holidays). Another mixed (all genders) group, open to everyone over 18.
All Drop-In sessions are Free to attend, although there is a ‘no obligation’ request for a nominal contribution to help towards refreshments.
Two peer-support volunteers attend each Drop-In session wherever possible to facilitate, greet, and make a brew! People attending (often called ‘users’, but sometimes ‘service-users) can drop in and leave whenever convenient.
All sessions provide a safe and comfortable space to socialise, chat, or participate in various activities, with the Lighthouse providing a hot or cold drink (or maybe two!) and a biscuit (or two!).
We encourage people attending Kendal Drop-In sessions to participate in activities such as drawing, painting, knitting or sewing, which some folks find enjoyable. Taking part is optional.
The Grange Drop-In tends not to offer structured activity – the group spend all their time chatting, getting to know each other, and supping their brew!
In December, Kendal and Grange usually organise a Christmas (or Yule, if you follow the ‘old ways’) get-together. Of course, we should not forget other secular and non-secular winter events and celebrations. Last Christmas saw get-togethers where the Lighthouse provided food, drinks and raffle prizes. Also enjoyed are various quizzes and games!
Other Mental Health Social Activities
Yoga
We can provide Yoga sessions every week (subject to teacher availability). The sessions are held on Fridays between 13:00 and 14:00 at Stricklandgate House (Conference Room). The Lighthouse social media platforms and the Journal page will advertise dates for all upcoming sessions. Led by The Knitting Yogi – Anne Lees, yoga classes are free, although we request a small donation towards the cost of running the sessions, including room hire.
Knitting and Crocheting Lessons
The Lighthouse is pleased that Anne Lees, being ‘the knitting yogi’, also runs classes on the art of knitting and crochet. These occur on the first and third Wednesday of the month, subject to Anne’s availability – sessions are advertised on our social media platforms and the Journal page. During the women-only Drop-In sessions, lessons are held between 13:00 and 15:00 at Stricklandgate House. Once again, Anne runs these classes free of charge, although there is a request for a small donation towards the cost of running the sessions.
Games Night
Every first Tuesday of the month sees an evening of fun playing various board games. Held at Stricklandgate House between 17:00 and 19:00. These are very popular evenings, full of contests and gentle competition. Open to everyone over 18; they are free of charge, but a donation to help towards refreshments is always welcome. Evenings of intellectual and mental stimulation in a safe space are an excellent way to combat social isolation and meet new friends.
Note: As this is an evening event, the main entrance to Stricklandgate House may be closed. Please enter the building through the rear door via the Library Road car park.
Walking
Once a month, subject to leader availability, a group from the Lighthouse enjoys a walk in the forests, fells, meadows and riversides surrounding Kendal. Deemed ‘moderate’, these walks are six to eight miles long, take up to four hours and can involve some climbing, stiles, scree scrambling and road walking. The walks are free of charge and are both circular and linear. All you require is suitable clothing, packed refreshments, and the ability to get to/from the advertised start/finish point. All beginning and end points are accessible by bus from Kendal. This is to take advantage of the one-way flat fare of £2, which is now extended until 2024.
Unquestionably, these walks are excellent. It is great fun; they are an opportunity to get out into the fresh air and enjoy our beautiful countryside. The banter is fantastic, with enjoyable gentle ribbing and the prospect of exchanging snippets of history & geography. There’s also a lot of swapping of tall tales & stories!
Our social media platforms and the Journal page will advertise full walk details.
We design all activities, from yoga to walking, to improve mental health and well-being. Some also enhance physical fitness as a bonus!
The Lighthouse Plans More Mental Health Social Activities
Finally, the Lighthouse constantly seeks funding and potential partners to expand the range of services and activities it provides. Generally, new projects will be announced at our regular Drop-In sessions, advertised on our social media platforms, and on the Journal page.
Drop-In and Activities Calendar
Head to our Calendar of Activities page for Drop-In dates and activity details. You will find month-by-month dates and times in calendar and list formats there. Click on any entry for time and venue details and a link to a location map of where events are held.
