We often ask our service users, visitors to the Life House and local community what therapeutic groups and activities they would like to take part in. Where possible, these are developed on an ongoing basis.
Life Support – Group Work
What is Life Support?
Our Life Support Project runs Monday to Friday and offers a schedule of groups designed to bring people together, reduce isolation and improve mental health. There is something for everyone.
Get creative with our Craft Groups or spend time with dogs and cats while improving your own wellbeing with Bryson’s Pet Therapy. Enjoy good food and conversation at our Lunch Clubs and Brunch Club or at Dough Bros – a men’s space to make pizzas while chatting, sharing experiences and supporting one another.
Looking to learn something new? Learn new recipes at our Lunch & Learn or improve your knitting, crocheting and sewing skills at Knit & Natter. Prefer the outdoors? Join our Gardening Group or Walking Group for fresh air and gentle exercise.
We also provide safe, supportive spaces such as Man Space, Woman Space and our Company & Support Group, where you can feel heard and understood.
Whether you want to meet new people, build confidence or simply take time for yourself, come along and be part of a supportive community.
How do I join?
Due to the nature of some of the groups we deliver, access will be decided on a case by case basis, which will be determined at assessment. Please call us on: 0191 417 8043 if you are interested in coming along. You will receive a referral and triage before attending these groups.
If you would like to meet a member of the team before attending groups please make an appointment via 0191 417 8043.
Find out more about each group below:
Craft Groups
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, napkin art and card making. Seasonal activities and projects as well as items which interest the group are all undertaken. Groups take place on a weekly basis at The Life House and the Hetton Centre.
This poem was written by a Service User while she was at a Creative Mind session – we hope you enjoy reading it!
Moving In New Directions
I’m always moving and on the go, As I’m moving, I go with the flow.
In the middle of what I do my mind is always thinking, all the time on what to do.
New things to do, people to meet, make new friends and greet old ones and talk of pastures new.
Directions I take in what I choose to do with my life and directions on doing things new.
That’s my mind what’s yours?
Sewing Group for Beginnners
Learn to sew in a safe and friendly environment. Peer-led group with like-minded learners.
Company and Support
A space to leave your worries at the door and meet with a peer-led group to chat with like-minded people about day-to-day life.
Mans Space
Group for men ran by men who come together once a week to meet up, talk, play cards, do crosswords, and talk about ‘men’ things in a supportive environment
Womens Space
Peer support group providing a space for women to meet and chat in a supportive environment.
Lunch and Learn
Join a friendly group to help you increase your skills and knowledge, from cooking, games and occassionally joined by guest speakers providing information and resources.
Gardening Group
Spending time in green spaces can benefit your mental and physical wellbeing.
Brysons Pet Therapy
First Tuesday of every month meeting at Brysons Animal Shelter to either walk the dogs or cuddle kittens. Both for the benefit of our mental and physical wellbeing, and the animals in Brysons care.
Knit and Natter
Come along to a friendly, relaxed group, enjoy knitting and crocheting, whether you are a beginner or an avid needle clicker!
Walking Group
Our Walking Group is a peer led walking group, which leaves from the Life House building every Tuesday at 12:00pm. Walks last approximately 45 to 60 minutes, around the beautiful scenery of Washington
Dough Bros
A pizza making group for men who are looking to knead away stress and cook up some good conversation (as well as a homemade pizza)
Brunch Club
Our brunch club gives you the opportunity to get out, meet new people and relax with a cuppa and some brunch, such as bacon sandwiches, hot dogs, or toasties, in a safe space!
Annual Reports
Annual Report 2022-2023
Annual Report 2023-2024
Annual Report 2024-2025
Five-a-day for health and happiness
- Connect
- Be Active
- Take Notice
- Keep Learning
- Give