You said, we did!

You said:

We need an online social for those that couldn’t come to our in-person one, with quiz, games, and lots of fun

We did:

We organized an engaging online social event to ensure that everyone could participate, featuring entertaining quizzes, games, and plenty of laughter.

You said:

We would like the social to be at Lloyd Park and on Thursday to fit around other activities and be in the heart of the borough. 

We did:

We hosted a wonderful in-person gathering at Lloyd’s Park.

You said:

We would like picnics, music, yoga, badminton, and cricket, chance to connect with others making the most of the sunny weather!

We Did:

Delivered the activities requested.   A number of new ideas for groups were also discussed and planning is underway.  New connections were made and friendships formed. 

You said:

We would like Active Minds to be more visually inclusive of LGBT+!

We Did:

We decked out OH with rainbow flags and held weekly art sessions to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, February 2025.

You said:

You wanted a mental health peer support group for all ages.   

We did:

We developed a weekly peer support group called Connect and Cope covering topics such as Anxiety, Sleep, Low Mood, Stress, Self-esteem and Grief and Bereavement.

You said:

You were looking for expert welfare benefits advice.   

We did:

We are now able to book telephone appointments on Mondays and Thursdays with Mind in Croydon’s Welfare Benefits Advice team. Also, every 2 weeks on a Friday we have a drop-in surgery with an experienced DWP advisor.

You said:

You were looking for domestic abuse support.   

We did:

As well as our in-house Domestic Abuse Advisor, we are now able to offer a monthly drop in with FJC to speak with an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate.

You said:

You wanted more form filling appointment slots.   

We did:

We recruited and trained form filling volunteers which have opened up 3 more form filling appointment slots per week. We are still actively recruiting for more.

You said:

We want to know when you are open and when to expect a reply

We did:

We updated our website and our Infoline recorded message with the opening hours of the service (which includes when we read, listen to and respond to enquires)

You said:

We would like to be able to text an enquiry instead of phoning or emailing.

We did!

We introduced WhatsApp which enables people to text us for free. WhatsApp: 07938 716 711

You said:

We would like mindfulness groups during the day time.

We did!

We created Tranquil Tuesdays, which now runs every Tuesday afternoon. This is one of our most well attending groups, which rough 10-14 participants each time.

You said:

We would like a women’s group.

We did!

This has been in development and is due to start running from April 2025.

We asked:

If you had a choice of paying by cash or card when purchasing meals and refreshments on our Hub days at Fairfield house which would you prefer. 

You said:

The results are back in and of the 73 people who responded over 80% stated cash as a preference. 

We did:

We will keep cash as the main option for payment at Social Networking.

You said:

We want more groups. 

We did:

We introduced Mindfulness, Men’s Group, Young People’s Group and Equine Therapy.

You said:

We want healthier snack on the Tea Bar. 

We did:

We ensured we have fruits, cereal bars and yogurts. We also provide sandwiches during the extra Hub drop-in days.

You said:

We want more guest speakers. 

We did:

We have had workshops from:

• Chef Ricardo – Healthy Juice – how juice
  benefits your body
• Specifeye Health – how physical health and
  mental health affect each other
• Croydon BME Forum – Energy saving advice
• SW Law Centre – Helping clients with
  problems such as unsuitable housing
  conditions
• Jeff Thompson.

You said:

We want regular surveys. 

We did:

We completed 2 surveys with the members around summer trips and the food menu’s.

You said:

We would like bereavement support.

We did:

We started Compassionate chat facilitated by St Christophers Hospice.

You said:

We want more drop-in times over the festive period.

We did:

We were open for members every day through the festive season except for bank holidays and sundays.

You said:

The chairs are starting to show wear and tear.

We did:

We are in the process of getting new furniture.

Actives from Home

You said:

Survey results showed a demand for more online fitness for those less able to leave their home.   

We did:

We now have an online Barre fitness which is a mix between pilates and ballet moves to music available over zoom every week.

Costs of Living

You said:

Active Minds Forum members requested for more information on the support available during the cost of living crisis.

We did:

The Welfare Benefits team and colleagues helped compile a list of help, ideas and grants available. This information is now displayed on our website