Mental health concerns affect many older people, particularly those who are bereaved, experience ill health and/or isolation.
Sometimes, there is no cause, and we feel low or anxious for no obvious reason.
Fortunately, in Gateshead, there are community groups and organisations, such as Teams and Bensham Community Care that assist in helping people find comfort and companionship during times when their mental health is not where they’d like it to be.
Social groups, like the Teams and Bensham Community Care lunch clubs, provide an opportunity to share a hot meal, take part in well-being enhancing activities, and stay connected with others.
The lunch clubs are held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at their centre on Bolam Street, Gateshead. Embarking on a new venture or joining a group can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with low mood, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. However, taking that initial step can lead to many positive changes.
In this case study, we share Rita’s (not her real name) experience of joining the Lunch Club after many years of struggling with her mental health.
Moving on from In-Patient Psychiatric Care
We first met Rita many years ago, when she popped into our day centre with her community mental health nurse. Rita had spent two years as an in-patient at a nearby hospital due to anxiety and depression. Initially, Rita received weekend support as she transitioned from hospital care to returning home permanently.
To boost her confidence, her mental health nurse accompanied her on different outings in the community. Eventually, Rita was discharged, and she started living independently in her flat, with her daughter's help.
Rita was still feeling very nervous, and also felt really lonely when her daughter was at work during the day.
Picking up on how she was feeling, Rita’s mental health nurse persuaded Rita to consider one of the Teams and Bensham Community Care lunch clubs, and they decided to call in.
A Warm Welcome
Rita seemed visibly nervous, but the lunch club coordinator eased her anxiety by sitting with her and the community mental health nurse at a peaceful table by the window, enjoying a cup of tea and having a chat. As Rita began to feel more comfortable, a home visit was proposed with either the nurse or Rita's daughter in attendance, to further discuss the possibility of joining the group.
After meeting the center's staff, Rita felt more at ease about inviting the lunch club coordinator to her home. During the assessment, the coordinator took the time to understand Rita better – her emotions, what would make her feel at ease at the lunch clubs, and her hobbies or interests. Following a pleasant home assessment, Rita decided she’d like to give the lunch club a try.
The First Few Weeks at the Lunch Club
On her first day, our minibus drivers picked Rita up from home. Once she reached our centre, the lunch club coordinator had already arranged a suitable table for her to join, surrounded by other attendees who would make her feel comfortable.
After a relaxed morning enjoying a cup of tea and a biscuit while chatting with the other people at her table, Rita appeared noticeably more at ease. She enjoyed her two-course lunch, and took part in a few of the afternoon activities, including bingo and our daily quiz.
In the following weeks, Rita continued to attend once per week, and formed wonderful friendships with fellow attendees. She also joined in with more activities, and made birthday cards for her daughter.
How is Rita Today?
Rita's social life has thrived, and she enjoys spending time with friends she met at the lunch club. They gather at a café weekly on days when they don't visit the centre.
She tells us she is much less lonely now, and feels much less anxious living independently and going out on her own. She is visiting her GP less frequently and has been discharged from the mental health service, with the reassurance that it remains available if she ever feels the need for it in the future.
Rita is now one of the first to volunteer to welcome new attendees on their first day, knowing that a warm welcome when you first walk through the door can lead to so many positive things.
Speaking of her experience of joining the group, Rita told us:
“I was made to feel very welcome and soon fitted in. I love it now and have made some good friends, some who I even go out with for lunch with on other days. I have now learnt to make cards and join in with the craft group. It has made such a change to my life.”
If you or someone you know would like more information about the Teams and Bensham Community Care centre, we're always happy to answer any questions, arrange a home visit or to help in any other way we can. Call our team on 0191 4600297.