BLOG: Bringing vital connections back to Neal Court
14 October 2024
By Sandra Stride, Mental Health Liaison Officer
After a few years of closure, the communal lounge at Neal Court has been re-opened! Neal Court is a scheme for vulnerable individuals living with mental health challenges, and the relaunch of the communal lounge has had a profound and revitalizing effect on the community. We’ve introduced craft and open mental health conversation sessions in this space which has provided essential support and healing opportunities.
The closure of the lounge left many individuals isolated, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Reopening the space has rekindled relationships and fostered new friendships, creating a vital support network. Participants now have a place to reconnect with peers and form bonds with others who share similar experiences.
As this is part of their home, I asked the residents what they wanted from the lounge and what could I offer them that would be of interest. It was a great way of getting the residents together and sharing ideas. The residents advised they would like to play games, plant bulbs as they have a lovely communal garden, and have art displayed.
Craft sessions serve as a powerful tool for emotional expression. Many individuals find it difficult to articulate their feelings, especially after a period of isolation. One resident advised how the last time she did any painting was years ago when she spent time in hospital as part of her therapy. Engaging in creative activities allows residents to express emotions in a tangible way, offering a therapeutic outlet that encourages healing and reflection. The lounge has become a safe space for open dialogue about mental health. The residents feel this is a safe space to share their own stories where they are not judged.
It is so wonderful to see the residents enjoying their lounge again. This space fosters a deeper understanding of mental health challenges, helping to reduce stigma and build empathy within the community.
Sandra Stride, Mental Health Liaison Officer
After a period of disconnection, many participants have struggled with low self-esteem. Crafting and sharing their creations in the lounge help rebuild confidence. Completing a project or sharing a story can instil a sense of accomplishment and pride, encouraging individuals to step outside their comfort zones. Their artwork has also made a difference and brightened up the walls.
For many, the reopening of the lounge has introduced much-needed structure and routine into their lives. Regularly scheduled sessions provide a reliable and comforting anchor, helping participants manage anxiety and uncertainty. This stability can be crucial for those navigating mental health challenges. The communal lounge has become a beacon of hope for many. Engaging in craft and talking sessions not only facilitates personal growth but also reinforces the idea that recovery is possible. Participants often leave the lounge feeling uplifted and inspired, equipped with new tools and connections to help them navigate their mental health challenges. As this is part of their home, it’s so important to have residents included in the decisions of what the next session will include. October is always a fun month, so for our next session, we will be decorating pumpkins!
Last week, we hosted a Mental Health Matters event in the lounge. We put on a lovely buffet, had pebble painting, canvas and colouring. I made a gratitude tree and encouraged the residents to write down what they were grateful for and bought along my dog Mouse. The event was supported by the mental health team and the Hertford Neighbourhood team also came along which was so lovely.
The reopening of the communal lounge has had a transformative impact on vulnerable individuals living with mental health challenges. By fostering community connections, promoting emotional expression, and encouraging open dialogue, the lounge serves as a crucial resource for healing and support. As participants rediscover the joy of connection and creativity, they build resilience and hope for a brighter future, reinforcing the importance of such communal spaces in nurturing mental well-being.
With thanks to Ware recycling Centre for donating furniture for the lounge.
More photos from the new activities in the Neal Court communal lounge
