HELLO
At SDAG we strive to provide a warm, friendly and safe environment. We do have rules of behaviour which helps to ensure that our service users are kept safe. We acknowledge that it may be daunting for someone to come to our group for the first time but we ensure that there will be someone to meet and greet you (and your support worker) and give you a briefing about what we have to offer. No one is expected to get involved straight away unless they feel confident enough. We therefore help people to ease into the group at their own pace. You may choose to sit and chat or just observe. The choice is yours and we will never pressure you to do anything during your attendance at the group. We would however like you to know what activities we offer.
At SDAG we strive to provide a warm, friendly and safe environment. We do have rules of behaviour which helps to ensure that our service users are kept safe. We acknowledge that it may be daunting for someone to come to our group for the first time but we ensure that there will be someone to meet and greet you (and your support worker) and give you a briefing about what we have to offer. No one is expected to get involved straight away unless they feel confident enough. We therefore help people to ease into the group at their own pace. You may choose to sit and chat or just observe. The choice is yours and we will never pressure you to do anything during your attendance at the group. We would however like you to know what activities we offer.
Sewing Bee Corner
Laine is our sewing tutor and is happy to teach the basics about sewing as well as assist any member who wishes to do simple sewing projects. Laine also able to do simple repairs such as hemming, shortening, skirts and trousers. There is a small charge for this service and other minor repairs that group members would like.
Laine’s presence is very much appreciated by the group as sewing is a useful activity that benefit our members by helping them to be creative and self-reliant. (Lottery Funded)
Laine is our sewing tutor and is happy to teach the basics about sewing as well as assist any member who wishes to do simple sewing projects. Laine also able to do simple repairs such as hemming, shortening, skirts and trousers. There is a small charge for this service and other minor repairs that group members would like.
Laine’s presence is very much appreciated by the group as sewing is a useful activity that benefit our members by helping them to be creative and self-reliant. (Lottery Funded)
Quiz
A great feature of the day that everyone looks forward to, is our quiz. Members say they find it very stimulating. Ramesh is our quiz master and adjudicator. People form natural teams usually on the basis of where they are sitting at the time. There is usually about 20 general knowledge questions. Although there is rivalry the quiz is very light-hearted and there is a lot of banter and fun. However, folks really do get involved. The winning team gets first choice of the prizes, but everyone gets a prize.
A great feature of the day that everyone looks forward to, is our quiz. Members say they find it very stimulating. Ramesh is our quiz master and adjudicator. People form natural teams usually on the basis of where they are sitting at the time. There is usually about 20 general knowledge questions. Although there is rivalry the quiz is very light-hearted and there is a lot of banter and fun. However, folks really do get involved. The winning team gets first choice of the prizes, but everyone gets a prize.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is essentially a gentle activity that combines deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements. Originally developed as a martial art in 13th-century China, tai chi is now practised around the world as a health-promoting exercise. Research on tai chi's health benefits have shown that it can help to reduce stress, improve posture, balance and general mobility, and increase muscle strength in the legs. Tai chi is for everyone. It is ideal for inactive people wanting to raise their activity levels gently and gradually. Also, many of the tai chi movements can be adapted to people with a disability, including wheelchair users.
At St Deny’s Activity Group we usually start the day with Tai chi. We have an excellent tutor Chris, who is very experienced and considerate. He takes those willing to do Tai chi through a series of gentle exercises before doing the Tai Chi form. This is also good fun as well helping participants to relax both mind and body. All are welcome to join in but no one is coerced or pressured to do so. (lottery funded)
Tai chi is essentially a gentle activity that combines deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements. Originally developed as a martial art in 13th-century China, tai chi is now practised around the world as a health-promoting exercise. Research on tai chi's health benefits have shown that it can help to reduce stress, improve posture, balance and general mobility, and increase muscle strength in the legs. Tai chi is for everyone. It is ideal for inactive people wanting to raise their activity levels gently and gradually. Also, many of the tai chi movements can be adapted to people with a disability, including wheelchair users.
At St Deny’s Activity Group we usually start the day with Tai chi. We have an excellent tutor Chris, who is very experienced and considerate. He takes those willing to do Tai chi through a series of gentle exercises before doing the Tai Chi form. This is also good fun as well helping participants to relax both mind and body. All are welcome to join in but no one is coerced or pressured to do so. (lottery funded)
Craft
Craft is very popular and the craft table is usually very busy with lots of activity going on as well as discussion and interaction. We have an ample supply of craft material and dedicated leaders in Susie and Paul. Everyone, experienced or novice is welcome to try their hand and explore and express their creative sides. Paul says “I enjoy it because it gets me out of my flat and gives me the opportunity to engage with people”. “We try to encourage people to use our craft material to express themselves without any pressure and in an enjoyable manner”.
Susie feels that “I am doing something positive, sharing, my enthusiasm with others, and my sense of wellbeing goes up, also my confidence has increased by observing other people enjoying the craft activities”. (lottery funded)
Craft is very popular and the craft table is usually very busy with lots of activity going on as well as discussion and interaction. We have an ample supply of craft material and dedicated leaders in Susie and Paul. Everyone, experienced or novice is welcome to try their hand and explore and express their creative sides. Paul says “I enjoy it because it gets me out of my flat and gives me the opportunity to engage with people”. “We try to encourage people to use our craft material to express themselves without any pressure and in an enjoyable manner”.
Susie feels that “I am doing something positive, sharing, my enthusiasm with others, and my sense of wellbeing goes up, also my confidence has increased by observing other people enjoying the craft activities”. (lottery funded)
Card and Board Games
At St Deny’s Activity Group we provide a variety of Card and Board games. Currently there seems to be a greater interest in card games. These are very lively and good natured. There is a committed crib table but they are open to new players or teaching anyone who wants to learn the game.
At St Deny’s Activity Group we provide a variety of Card and Board games. Currently there seems to be a greater interest in card games. These are very lively and good natured. There is a committed crib table but they are open to new players or teaching anyone who wants to learn the game.
Support
All our volunteers come from a range of caring professions and have many years of experience in their respective fields. Our volunteers are not counsellors but are always able and willing to provide a listening ear.
All our volunteers come from a range of caring professions and have many years of experience in their respective fields. Our volunteers are not counsellors but are always able and willing to provide a listening ear.
Educational
From time to time we invite speakers to talk on a variety of topics relevant to the aims of SDAG and our service user’s requests. These include “Caring for your eyes”; a benefits advisor providing advice on benefits for people with mental health issues. We were successful in obtaining a grant from the National Lottery which included funding for a monitor and PA system This has helped in facilitating our invited speakers as well as engaging service users with hearing disability. In June 2019 SDAG held a very successful Health Awareness Day in partnership with the …… The event was well attended and the feedback from all was very positive. The monitor has also enable us to show YouTube videos around mental health and other issues that are relevant and stimulating to our service users. A big thanks to the National Lottery for making this possible. We hope to hold more health related events in future.
From time to time we invite speakers to talk on a variety of topics relevant to the aims of SDAG and our service user’s requests. These include “Caring for your eyes”; a benefits advisor providing advice on benefits for people with mental health issues. We were successful in obtaining a grant from the National Lottery which included funding for a monitor and PA system This has helped in facilitating our invited speakers as well as engaging service users with hearing disability. In June 2019 SDAG held a very successful Health Awareness Day in partnership with the …… The event was well attended and the feedback from all was very positive. The monitor has also enable us to show YouTube videos around mental health and other issues that are relevant and stimulating to our service users. A big thanks to the National Lottery for making this possible. We hope to hold more health related events in future.