Ashford Group
Where we meet: Education Centre, Ashford Hospital
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“It’s a great place to be on a Tuesday morning” Now in its second year, we are thriving with 14 recoverers and 16 volunteers plus the Group Leader. The volunteers are extremely supportive and enthusiastic and we have much fun and laughter during our sessions. The term’s programme is planned in advance with each week having a themed session. Ideas come from everybody. During these sessions there is plenty of talking but we also try to incorporate different aspects of communication: reading – writing – comprehension – concentration - listening – observation – creative expression. The sessions may include involvement with numbers, money, dates, pictures, craft work, quizzes, worksheets, music and this list is not exhaustive. Each week we may change the seating arrangements depending on the content of the theme. We may sit in rows, have groups round a table, have a horseshoe table arrangement or have two teams. However we sit, each recoverer is supported by a volunteer and each week that volunteer changes. We encourage name recognition and interaction between everyone, and sometimes it is the volunteers who have difficulty remembering names! We are lucky to have weekly support from two wives of recoverers (our friends now) who organise the refreshments for us, sometimes for many more than expected. This last term we had visits from three Diploma Nursing Students who just popped in. We are all so delighted to see increased self-esteem and social interaction amongst the group and there are often spontaneous outbursts of applause. When we meet: Tuesday morning during term time |
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Tricia Golding Tricia joined the Ashford group in July 2007 and became group leader the following January, a position she describes as “rewarding and very enjoyable”.  Her career background is in nursing - from District Nurse to Matron/Manager of a 45-bed private nursing home to training and development. Tricia says: I “retired” 10 years ago and currently work three days a week in an administrative role. Whilst volunteering at St Peter’s hospital I read about TALK and the request for volunteers at the new group meeting at Ashford hospital. I was instantly transported back in time to the day my father had his stroke at the age of 47 when I was only 16. I remembered his frustrations at not being able to say what he meant- the strange words; the crossword and pen flying across the floor; my innocent indifference; my mother’s patience and their social isolation. | |
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If you would like to join in as a volunteer contact the TALK co-ordinator Susan Houston on Mobile 07906 429 347or |
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