Our Groups

How are you today?

 Having friendship and support in our lives is fundamental to our wellbeing. If we are socially isolated or excluded and unable to make the connections we want, we can feel lonely. And while loneliness is not a mental health issue in itself, it can cause mental health problems that seriously impact our health, wellbeing, productivity, and self-esteem.

We can help

At Open Door we run three chat cafés. Friendly, welcoming groups where you can connect with other people who genuinely understand how you are feeling – whether that’s feeling lonely, dealing with cancer or struggling with grief.

Over a hot drink you can simply talk, about whatever matters to you in that moment. Research shows that talking has real benefits:

  • It will make you feel lighter – a problem shared is a problem halved.
  • It can reduce stress – letting off some steam.
  • It can make you feel closer to people – that people care about you.
  • You might get some ideas on help that you weren’t aware of.
  • It can help give you a better perspective. Talking with someone neutral means no agendas.

If you think you could do with a chat, or know someone else who might then come along to any of our Chat Cafés. You will be warmly welcomed!

We want everyone to leave us with a lighter heart, feeling happier, knowing that people care.

The Chat Café

Drop into the Chat café for a chat and a cuppa on us! Each Thursday 10:00-12:00 at The Athenæum Centre in Warminster.
 
“Social isolation is a serious yet underrecognized public health problem that is often associated with old age. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation, or the state of being cut off from social networks, has intensified. It’s more important than ever to identify people who are socially isolated and provide resources to help them make connections in their community.”
 
Jianfeng Feng, PhD, Study Author, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
 
 

Cancer Support Group

In the UK, every two minutes, someone receives the devastating news that they have cancer. This life changing moment affects not only that person’s expectations of their life, but also those of family and friends.

If you are affected by cancer directly or are supporting a loved one then please drop in and chat with others with lived experience of cancer. People who can say ‘I understand..’.
 
The group meets every first and third Friday of the month at The Athenæum Centre in Warminster. Doors open from 10:00 and complimentary drinks and biccies are always available!
 
No need to book just pop in whenever you feel like chatting, we would love to see you!
 

See our upcoming events for the Cancer Support Group on the events page.

Grief Support Group

Bereavement affects people in different ways, as they experience a range of emotions. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Grief may happen, not just through the loss of a partner, family member, friend or pet. But because of other loss or changes in circumstances:
* the end of a relationship,
* the loss of a job,
* moving away to a new location,
* or a decline in the physical or mental health of someone we care about.
It is natural when grieving to go through a range of physical and emotional processes as we gradually come to terms with the loss. Talking with others who care and understand can be a huge help.
The  Grief Support Group offers those grieving a chance to come together, informally over a cuppa and a biscuit, and navigate through the sea of emotions. We are looking for volunteer ‘chatters’ to help get this initiative off the ground. 

Would you like to join us in helping others?

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more info then please email us
at info@opendoorwarminster.org or click the mail icon to the right.