The idea
We have been running Brightstone Clinic – a therapy centre in the heart of Sandbach – for the last three years. In this time, we have witnessed the hidden cost of social isolation, loneliness, poor pay, and the stress of illness – both physical and emotional, visible and hidden.
We are frequently told about the lack of safe community spaces and places that are designed to be welcoming and friendly to all whilst offering educational, joyful and therapeutic experiences.
To help transform this in Sandbach, we are offering a peaceful and safe environment at Brightstone Clinic, where people can come and take part in a variety of activities at the weekends (Sunday afternoons to begin with), including:
Art and crafts
Music
Sound baths
Basket weaving
Poetry and writing
Repair shop
Talks/education/vocational
Quizzes
A quiet place to read a book, eat with people or just be
A shared lunch or vegetarian/vegan snack
The social club can offer up to 15/20 places.
What we'll deliver
- A social club for local people seeking fellowship and a sense of community
- A meeting place and support group for people with ASD/ADHD
- A meeting place and support group for Ukrainian Refugees
- A gathering place where local people can learn about the latest innovatory work in treating trauma
- A fund to provide time limited evidence based therapies to those who cannot access them through NHS services
Why it's a great idea
We are working to build communities and reduce loneliness and isolation
Loneliness and isolation were exacerbated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic and have become a daily reality for many people – young, older and everything in between. We believe that people of all ages need connection
Since the COVID pandemic, we have seen an 84% increase in the number of people seeking therapy at Brightstone for issues relating to social anxiety, loneliness and fear of being in groups. Via the social club, we aim to make a real difference to the lives of local people by offering the opportunity to make connections and begin to turn the tide. Along with nature connection, social interaction is clinically proven to help people to feel better and even strengthen the immune system.
As our world becomes more digitalised and artificially intelligent, we hope to continue to embrace the old ways of meeting in person, deepen into our personhood, and find strength and solidarity with our fellow humans.
Steps to get it done
- Create a calendar of events for 12 months
- Release calendar of events on website, social media and to our community
- Recruit speakers to deliver talks on a variety of topics
- Reach out to local community groups to let them know we are here and ready to help
- Create a newsletter and mailing list to send out to our followers
- Set up Facebook page and invite members
- Purchase art and craft materials for workshops where required
- Provide inductions to speakers and facilitators in the use of the social club space
Hope Street Social CIC has emerged from our experience running Brightstone Clinic, a therapy centre in Sandbach. It is clear to us from the calls and referrals we get at the clinic that there is a great need for a safe and welcoming place for local people to build connections and relationships. Many people were profoundly impacted by COVID Lockdowns, leading to increased isolation and loneliness.
Hope Street Social CIC is a not-for-profit organisation that runs the social club and fundraises for various therapeutic services, e.g. Low-cost trauma therapy (EMDR). The social club has a facilitator, volunteer placements to gain work experience and guest speakers. Everyone attending the club pays a nominal joining fee, gets involved in discussions and agrees on speakers and activities. We are funded by grant-making organisations. The CIC also wants to make space available to Ukrainian support groups, something we have previous experience of.
