Alternative Groups
Arts and Crafts
The Creative Crafts groups are an opportunity for service users to share ideas, explore artistic skills and gain confidence and self esteem through creative work. The relaxed and friendly group offers a wide variety of crafts including drawing, painting, glass painting, card making, knitting and jewellery making.
Well Being Groups
In partnership with Sunderland Women's Centre we have provided a range of psycho educational courses covering issues such as, assertiveness, confidence building, relaxation, coping with stress and anxiety, introduction to alternative therapies.
Reel Therapy
Reel therapy looks at how films can help individuals to overcome life's problems. Through the experience of viewing films we can see human reactions and emotions in great detail and we may be able to identify with them either in our own behaviour or in the behaviour of others. At the beginning of the group individuals are asked to look out for certain themes and to try to identify with a character or situation. At the end of the film the group discuss different issues raised and how this may relate to real life experiences.
Brain Training
Quizzes, crosswords and other activities are a contribution to brain health. A lifestyle that includes routine mental activities may increase alertness and agility of thought. Research is showing us that brain health is an important contributor to quality of life as we age and may have the added benefit of reducing the risk of dementia.
Health sessions
In partnership with the Community Health Outreach Worker and Health Trainers we have provided health sessions both mixed and men and women's groups and sessions specifically for carers. Topics covered in the courses include healthy eating on a budget, sleeping, exercise, relaxation, alcohol issues, coping with stress and community support.
Ecotherapy
It has been scientifically proven that exercise in outdoor spaces can have a positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. We currently offer healthy walks, team games, gardening opportunities with both the village in bloom and Washington Old Hall, trips and kite flying all with the aim of promoting positive physical and mental health.
Walking group
A group of walkers alongside our trained walk leader enjoy the therapeutic benefits of walking in the open spaces around Washington village. Photography, dog walking, local quizzes and even a Hawk walk are often a part of the experience.
A clinical hypnotherapy based group 'Gut Instinct' for sufferers of Irritable Bowel syndrome. Hypnotherapy has been scientifically and medically proven to relieve the emotional and physical symptoms of IBS.
"I find going to (Washington) Mind a break, a source of information and advice. When I go there I meet people who are interesting and a help... I need help. I think that the people working for Washington Mind help and are a source of security."