at Stockport and District Mind

and SPARC?

A guide to all the groups and activities on offer across the

Stockport Mental Health Alliance.

The Stockport Mental Health Alliance

Stockport and District Mind and SPARC have come together to form an alliance. This union enables the sharing of resources, knowledge and allows us to provide the best service we can

to those who require support. Due to this collaborative approach we are able to offer a wide variety of services and

options, both within the alliance and as separate organisations.

We have based this group list on the five ways to wellbeing as these steps have been shown to promote positive mental

health. The steps are:

Connect Be active

Take notice Learn

Give

Please ask if you would like more information on the ways to wellbeing. There are opportunities to ‘Give’ within both

organisations by volunteering, however, you could also give and connect by attending any of the groups and

communicating with the other members.

Please note that links made between the groups and the five ways to wellbeing are general and are open to personal

interpretation.

Access to many of the activities requires referral so please contact the relevant organisation before attending or for more information. However if the group is listed as ‘drop in’ please

feel free to call in and see us.

Connect … With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest me in developing them. Building these connec ons will support and enrich you every day.

Be ac ve … Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical ac vity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

Take no ce ... Be curious. Catch sight of the beau ful. Remark on the unusual. No ce the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, ea ng lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflec ng on your experiences will help you appreciate what ma ers.

Keep learning ... Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.

Give ... Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your me. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connec ons with the people around you.

Art @ SPARC ~ SPARC 12:30 to 14:30

A very popular group aimed at helping members enjoy and develop their artistic side. The group explores a different topic

every few weeks, often tied into regular trips out to art galleries in the area.

Please contact before attending

Mindfulness for emotional wellbeing ~ Stockport Mind 13:00 to 14:30

This is an ancient Buddhist technique involving various activities to relax and improve overall wellbeing.

Venue: To be confirmed.

Please contact before attending. Drop in ~ Donations welcome.

Relaxation and wellbeing ~ SPARC 13:30 to 14:30

Learn some simple relaxation techniques and develop a greater sense of personal wellbeing.

Please contact before attending

Monday Groups ~ Timetable

Monday Groups ~ Timetable Creative Textiles ~ SPARC

13:30 to 15:30 This group explores a variety of knitting, crochet, sewing and

embroidery techniques.

Please contact before attending

Day Trippers (every three weeks) ~ SPARC 14:00 to 16:00

This group meets every three weeks to plan trips, activities and holidays for all SPARC members.

Please contact before attending

Evening meal & social group ~ SPARC 17:00 to 19:00

A chance for people to get together to enjoy an eveing meal and take part in social activities.

Please contact before attending. Meals cost up to £3.00

IT Course (term-time only) ~ SPARC 11:15 to 12.45

11 week course for 6 people. Learn or refresh a range of information and technology skills in a supportive environment.

Places are limited so please contact before attending

Crafty Crew ~ SPARC 11:30 to 13.30

Card crafts – this group offers people the chance to develop creative skills in a supportive and friendly environment. The

emphasis is on FUN and enjoyment.

Please contact before attending

Serene ~ Stockport Mind 11:00 to 13:00

This drop in offers a variety of different art opportunities for beginers or more experienced artists to have fun whilst

experimenting with new techniques.

Venue: above Seven Miles Out, 20 Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1EY.

Accessibility: Unfortunately building constraints mean the group can only be accessed via the stairs.

Drop in ~ £1 Donation.

Tuesday Groups ~ Timetable

Why not connect with SPARC via Facebook and Twitter?

sparc4me @sparc4me

Tuesday Groups ~ Timetable

SPARC4Music ~ Recording & Performance ~ SPARC 12:00 to 15:30

The group works on discussing and developing song ideas, arranging instrumentation and recording and learning how to use the equipment and software. The group agrees a playlist which everyone works on. The group's aims are to work on

music skills (including roadying) to promote teamwork & confidence and to have an enjoyable experience.

Please contact before attending

Under 30’s Group ~ SPARC 14:00 to 16:30

A group to support younger people with their mental health and to encourage people to get together with others of a similar age. The aim is to help reduce isolation and stigma

that is too often attached to mental health and help to increase confidence through participation in activities, developing

positive social connections and encouraging communication about mental health.

Please contact before attending

Why not connect with Stockport Mind via Facebook and Twitter?

/StockportMind @stockportmind

Women's group ~ SPARC 10:00 to 14.30

The whole of the centre is open to women only and therefore the group can take advantage of all the facilities on offer. The

group plans regular activities, including trips out, craft and cooking sessions, talks, exercise sessions, educational

opportunities and much more.

Please contact before attending

N.B. SPARC is open to women ONLY during these times on Wednesday

Rendezvous ~ Stockport Mind 10:00 to 12:00

Tea, coffee and toast are served in this friendly, informal environment. Different games are available to play, including

dominos and scrabble. It is a good opportunity to talk and socalise with others if you choose to.

Venue: York Street Community Centre, Bengal Street, Edgeley, SK3 9HR.

Drop in Donations welcome.

Wednesday Groups ~ Timetable

Wednesday Groups ~ Timetable

Allotment group (seasonal) ~ SPARC 12:00 to 14:00

A good workout and fresh air with good company and the chance to grow your own food.

Venue: Whitehill Allotments, South Reddish Please contact before attending

Snooker ~ SPARC & Stockport Mind 12:00 to 14:00

A chance to socialise with other members and develop your skill at the game, all levels and abilities welcome.

Venue: The Crucible, Edward Street Stockport. Please contact before attending

Cost: £2.00

Horizons ~ SPARC 19:00 - 21:30

An evening social group offering a wide variety of activities ranging from table tennis to quizzes and take away evenings.

We also offer occasion activities at external venues e.g. a local cinema or restaurant

Please contact before attending Cost: 50p

Thursday Groups ~ Timetable

Work club ~ Stockport Mind 09:30 to 11:30

If you are struggling to compile your CV or experiencing problems regarding job searches to gain employment this group can offer support and basic information to assist in the process.

Venue (from 9th April 2015): Stockport Advocacy, 48 Middle Hillgate, SK1 3DL.

Drop in

Social & Therapeutic Horticulture ~ SPARC 11:00 to 13:00

We have a large garden area to develop into a pleasant and relaxing environment to enjoy.

Please contact before attending

SPARC4growth ~ SPARC 11:30 to 15:30

Volunteering opportunities for people who enjoy gardening and want to partake in some healthy outdoor activity whilst

supporting others.

Please contact before attending

Thursday Groups ~ Timetable

Singing for Fun ~ Stockport Mind 13:00 to 14:00

A relaxed group, great for those who enjoy singing. The group is led by a singing teacher (you are not expected to do any solos) and is a great way to socalise with others and build upon your

confidence and singing voice.

Venue: Hat Works, Wellington Road South, Stockport. Drop in

Cost: 50p unwaged/£2 waged

Thursday at One ~ Stockport Mind 13.00 to 15.00

An art-based group with chances to do all different types of art such as drawing, glass painting, sewing, painting and encaustic

art. There are volunteers who are all willing to help assist people with their art work.

Venue: Stockport Baptist Church, Thompson Street, Edgeley. Please contact before attending

Cost: £1.50

Dual Diagnosis Group ~ SPARC 17:00 to 19:00

Support for people who identify as having mental health issues and or substance issues, alcohol included.

It offers space for people to socialise and join in therapeutic activities, signposting to other services, support with a user led

experience of services and peer support within the group.

Please contact before attending People are kindly asked not to use non-prescribed substances on

the day of the group

SPARC4Music ~ Recording & Performance ~ SPARC 12:00 to 15:30

The group works on discussing and developing song ideas, arranging instrumentation and recording and learning how to use the equipment and software. The group agrees a playlist which everyone works on. The group's aims are to work on

music skills (including roadying) to promote teamwork & confi-dence and to have an enjoyable experience.

Please contact before attending

Art @ SPARC ~ SPARC 12:30 to 14:30

A very popular group aimed at helping members enjoy and develop their artistic side. The group explores a different topic

every few weeks, often tied into regular trips out to art galleries in the area.

Please contact before attending

SPARC4music ~ Keyboard Workshops ~ SPARC 11:00 to 12:00

Have some fun learning how to play the keyboard and about rhythm, pitch and musical notation, playing some favourite songs and tunes along the way. No musical experience

needed - just come along and have a go.

Please contact before attending

Friday Groups ~ Timetable

Friday Groups ~ Timetable

Open session & Sunday lunch ~ SPARC 11:00 to 14:00

A relaxing morning session with a chance to look at the Sunday papers. A hot Sunday lunch with vegetarian option is

provided around 13:30.

Meal cost up to £3.00 Please contact before attending

Sunday Groups ~ Timetable

Tea @ 2 ~ Stockport Mind 14.00 to15.30

Refreshments are available at this group along with the opportunity to relax, socialise or take part in a variety of

games such as bingo or play your cards right.

Venue: SPARC café, Progress House. Drop in ~ Donations welcome

Football ~ SPARC 13:45 to 16:00

We play small-sided games, with the emphasis being on teamwork, skills training & fun. We also sometimes participate

in matches and tournaments involving other centres and organisations.

Venue: Powerleague, Craig Rd, Heaton Norris. Please contact before attending

Cost: £2.00

Various dates & times Confidence Building Groups ~ Stockport Mind

12-week course ~ 2 hour sessions on various dates A small, friendly group for people who feel their lack of

confidence is holding them back from living a full and happy life. The course offers some practical things you can do to

challenge self-critical & negative ways of thinking. It will give you a ‘tool bag’ of techniques to help you become more self accepting & to find better ways to deal with life’s challenges.

Donations welcome ~ Please contact for more information & venue details.

Group for Recreational Activity and Social Pathway (GRASP) ~ Stockport Mind

This group offers the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities with other group members, such as: meals out, day trips, and cinema. It is a friendly informal group that also has a social evening once a month. Individuals pay for themselves on trips/activities and there is a £1.50 per month membership

charge for accessing this group.

Various venues - Please contact for more information Cost: £1.50 per month

Sunday social afternoon ~ SPARC 14:00 to 15:00

A chance to get involved in a game of scrabble, watch a film or just relax and enjoy the company of others.

Please contact before attending

Sunday Groups ~ Timetable (continued)

Dates and times for all groups are subject to change - you are welcome to contact the relevant organisation for

more information.

Please note groups will not run on bank holidays.

If you would like to make a donation to Stockport Mind you can do so via Just Giving at https://www.justgiving.com/stockportmind/ You can also donate by post or please feel free to ring for more

information.

If you would like to make a donation to SPARC you can do so via Everyclick at http://www.everyclick.com/sparc4me or via Just Text Giving by texting SPRC40 and an amount (e.g. £5) to 70070 You can also donate by post or please feel free to ring for more

information.

All SPARC groups take place at Progress House unless another venue is specified.

Both SPARC and Stockport Mind offer additional activities and opportunities on top of those advertised in this booklet e.g. day trips, short courses and taster sessions in a range

of subjects. We can also provide information about community-based groups and activities throughout Stockport.

Please contact us if you would like more information.

Further Information

For further information about any of the groups and activities or other services available please contact:

Stockport and District Mind, Dove House, 65 Union Street,

Stockport, SK1 3NP

Tel: 0161 480 7393 email: info@stockportmind.org.uk

website: www.stockportmind.org.uk Registered Charity No: 1119317

Company No: 5879337

or

SPARC, Progress House, 35A Adswood Lane East,

Stockport, SK2 6RE.

Tel: 0161 429 9744 email: info@sparc4me.org.uk

website: www.sparc4me.org.uk Registered Charity No: 515832

Company No: 1862257

V1.7 Published February 2016