Feeling connected in your community can be difficult at times but Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind has been helping people by providing a range of services and support that's easy to access and fun.

This work before the pandemic was aimed at reducing isolation and helping people to feel more connected to others and where they live, through Mindfulness, Walk & Talks, Canal Boat trips, Allotment sessions, and Arts and Crafts.

When the pandemic hit, TOG Mind offered modified services online but it became even more apparent that connecting with others is a vital way to help maintain an individual’s wellbeing, so face-to-face services were slowly and safely re-introduced.

Caroline Cook, who coordinates the Tameside adult wellbeing activities, said: "Following several co-production meetings, which involved TOG Mind Staff, Volunteers, and Service Users, we were able to develop a solid framework for what people in the community wanted from their local mental health services.

"Having their input made them feel heard, valued, and motivated to help make a difference. As an organisation, it gave us confidence in what we would be implementing and delivering." 

Recently, TOG Mind has launched its new Wellbeing Hub at its home on Katherine Street in Ashton - which is designed to feel homely, comforting, relaxing, and somewhere anyone can come and feel welcome.

There are activities running through the week with an aim to have a full fortnightly timetable up and running in the New Year.

What TOG Mind currently have running:

• Next Steps (over 65’s Peer Support Group)
• Bob in for a Brew
• Autistic Adults Social Group
• Walk & Talks
• Mindful Photography
• Wellbeing Courses (How to Cope with Anger, Confidence & Self Esteem, Stress & Anxiety, and 5 Ways to Wellbeing)
• Mindfulness & Meditation
• Arts and Crafts

Plans for the New Year and beyond include Yoga Courses (starting January), Creative Writing, a Men’s Group, Food for Mood cooking classes, IT Skills, a Grief Café and LGBTQI+ sessions.

Available at all sessions are tea and coffee making facilities and evolving measures to ensure everyone’s safety in the current climate including hand sanitiser and face masks.

Anyone interested in any of the above can email Caroline at office@togmind.org or call TOG Mind on 0161 330 9223.