Macmillan Column: Autumn's alive with activity

SUPPORT GROUP: The WBCM Team

From the Southport Macmillan Centre team

Almost ‘that’ time of year again and thankfully 2022 has largely seen us back to normal. We’re ever vigilant though, keeping a very close eye on any blips that may try to get in our way!

The centre has been open for drop-in since July and, although it was a little quiet at first, we’re now welcoming both new and existing service users. This year has seen our small but trusty team almost double with the arrival of Donna, Louise and Kate working alongside Tanya, Julia, Bev and Helen, aided and abetted by our wonderful volunteers.

Now we’re confident that we can work ‘around’ Covid we’d like to remind everyone just how fantastic our support groups are - there’s really something for everyone from physical activity to crafty…with plenty of fun, laughter and very occasionally a few tears too. There’s not enough room here to tell you about all our groups, so here’s a snippet about some of them.

Our Walking Group meets outside The Atkinson on Lord Street every Tuesday at 10.30am before setting off at around 10.40am for a walk. This can be along Lord Street, The Promenade or Rotten Row and Victoria Park, depending on the weather and led by qualified walk leaders. Before heading off for home, everyone finishes the walk with a drink somewhere and if we’re lucky, they come back to the centre to see us.

The Singing Group meet every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm - as they need a larger room to fill with their amazing repertoire of songs, they get together at Southport Deaf Centre on Stanley Street. Anyone wanting to join can be reassured that they don’t have to be able to hold a note - the aim of the group is to lift everyone’s spirits and we defy anyone not to come out of the room with a huge smile on their face and with their heart feeling a little lighter.

We have not one but two craft groups: Craft & Natter meet at the Cherish Centre on Albert Road every Thursday morning from 10am to 12pm - apart from the first Thursday of the month when they meet at the centre on Wright Street.  They do a bit of everything from card making to knitting and much more besides.  Needles & Pins meet here at the centre every Friday from 10am to 12pm - knitting, crochet and the occasional quilting are the order of the day although some people are happy just to pop along for a drink and a chat……everyone is welcome.

If anyone would like any more information about our other groups or the support we offer, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on the number below. Southport Macmillan Centre is based at 29 Wright Street, Southport (between Mornington Road and Church Street) and is open for drop-in Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm - no appointment necessary. If it’s more convenient, give us a call on 01704 533024 - we’re here to help in whatever way we can.

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