REPORT FROM OUR YATE CHURCH:
Last September, we were approached by a charity called Bluebell, who were looking to relocate in the Yate area. As a church, it was just what we had been looking for! We were very happy to provide the use of our hall every Thursday during term time for their sessions.
Bluebell supports mums, dads and families who are experiencing anxiety and depression related to pregnancy, birth and up to 2 years post birth. One of the ways they do this is through a Mums’ Comfort Zone programme. This is a 12-week group programme which aims to equip mums with various tools for managing their mental health better. Each session in Yate Hall lasts 2 hours, with the Mums using our large kitchen. A creche runs alongside in our main hall so that mums can really focus on looking after themselves. Each week, they focus on a different tool for managing mental health – e.g., relaxation techniques for anxiety, crafting, aerobic exercise, self-esteem, food and mood, music and the 5 senses, intro to CBT, medication, roles and routines. Each session is very practical and experiential, allowing people to find out what works for them.
At the end of the 12-week session, Bluebell gives each Mum a goodie bag, containing sensory items e.g., chocolate, smelly candles, skin lotions, aromatherapy items etc.
COG has kindly given us a grant so that we can fund the sensory goodie bags and craft materials for the Mums programmes and provide extra toys for the creche.
All our members are delighted that our hall is being used to help the local community. We have good communication with Rachel who leads the groups, as she is a sister from Downend ecclesia. “The hall has been a real gift for Bluebell, as our previous premises were not Covid-compliant” explains Rachel. “Having the whole premises to ourselves has allowed us to create a warm, supportive environment for our group”. Here are some of the comments from one of the groups;
“I enjoyed the programme as it helped me know I’m not alone”
“It (the venue) was easy to find, yet in a secluded area”
“I’ve really enjoyed having 2 hours a week with other mums in similar situations”
“It has really helped me work through my worries”
“Its given me more confidence”
“It was nice to have my baby so close so I didn’t have to worry about it”
We have had to adapt the hall slightly, by having extra locks put on doors, so that none of the creche can escape! We’ve given over a small area for Bluebell to store materials. One of our biggest issues was our hard wearing, but itchy carpet tiles in the hall, which the creche children didn’t like, easily solved by putting down lots of soft blankets and duvets. It has been a very positive experience for our church and has worked very well. It is a great experience to see how everyone can benefit by working together.
Here is a photo of a recent sensory pamper kit contents and Bluebell’s wonderful creche staff in the Yate hall.
