tamarind-centre

COVID has impacted us all

tamarindwebsite@gmail.com (Tamarind Centre) — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 14:56:38 GMT

The Tamarind Centre has been working hard to support all of our clients during what has been a difficult and challenging time throughout the pandemic.

Covid-19 has impacted us all is some way and we have had to change the way we work, including operating remotely during lockdowns, using telephone support as well as new mediums of contact like video calls, text messaging and group Zoom sessions.

Our clients reported how they felt heightened anxiety and new levels of isolation and loneliness and we looked at ways we could support them through this period. Many of our clients felt our regular contact gave them something to look forward to knowing that we were still with them was a big relief.

Over the last year we have endeavoured to try and restore our service to pre-pandemic levels, whilst ensuring that we take care to look after the health and wellbeing of both our clients and staff. With this as our goal we began offering more face to face appointments and group session all be it with limited numbers and by appointment only.

Our clients greatly missed the social aspect of our group sessions being able to interact with other people, talk, share problems and ideas, speak about better times and have good laughs.

Our services and activities are designed so each of our beneficiaries receive a holistic personal service. We ensure that each person receives support that is tailored to their individual health and wellbeing needs.

Wellbeing Support Groups

tamarindwebsite@gmail.com (Tamarind Centre) — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:56:38 GMT

Back by popular demand, is our support group sessions, but now with with very limited numbers and by an invitation only.

These wellbeing drop-in groups ensure social distancing measures are observed, and offer a safe environment for people to get together with peers and friends again, sharing their stories and enjoying each other’s company and by reducing loneliness and isolation.

During the sessions we have done some gentle chair exercises, Bollywood style exercises that were enjoyed by all. It is really good to see people back in the centre, creating a wonderful fun atmosphere.

Coffee Mornings

Our coffee morning has also started again and this has been welcomed by attendees being able to meet up with like-minded individuals, share news, discuss current events and gather thoughts on both light hearted and some strong thought provoking topics.

During the sessions we have focused on a Caribbean Quiz, where interesting facts about different islands were learnt by all. Each session is filled with laughter, sharing recopies, life hacks and also some deep and meaningful discussions. Everyone leaves with something new to add to their general knowledge.

World Mental Health Day

We also use these sessions to raise awareness of things that are impacting the community, such as discussing how Covid has impacted participants and their loved ones. We used this as part of our world mental health day celebrations to look at how mental wellbeing was affected.

Our services and activities are designed so each of our beneficiaries receive a holistic personal service. We ensure that each person receives support that is tailored to their individual health and wellbeing needs.

Remembering...

tamarindwebsite@gmail.com (Tamarind Centre) — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:56:38 GMT

Over the last year or so we have lost several of our much cared for supporters and clients. With times being difficult and not being able to see people and say goodbyes.

We decided to create a memory board to display in our meeting room so that when people come in they can take time to remember those who are no longer with us, and we can celebrate together the contributions these individuals made and the big characters we will miss.

Comments & Feedbac k

We value our clients and respect the feedback that we receive whether it be positive or negative as this all helps us to grow and develop as a service.

We have had some lovely comments from people emphasising the role we have played in enabling them to achieve their goals in life. Some of the comments we have had include how they were thankful to have somebody to talk to and feel confident and comfortable in sharing with us, and that have been able to move forward with our help.

024 7622 7712.

Our services and activities are designed so each of our beneficiaries receive a holistic personal service. We ensure that each person receives support that is tailored to their individual health and wellbeing needs.