Sainsbury's Great Yarmouth

Woodworks Art Cafe offers arts and crafts and support groups, including cat-therapy, as social prescribing, to relieve the pressures on the NHS and other services. We are open to the public for coffee/tea, cake, toasted sandwiches, pancakes and tayaki's, but also run dedicated arts and craft sessions and support groups (ADHD, Autism, Neurodiversity, Fybromyalgia, LGBTQ+) and seated exercises. In addition to offer private sessions for groups of 10 or more and private parties all with the aim to address mental health, social isolation etc. Some groups are funded whilst others are self-funded or free. The term 'social prescribing' is mainly used in relation to primary care (general practice). It describes the practice of referring patients to social activities instead of or as complementary to more 'conventional' forms of medicine. The therapeutic value of arts and crafts has long been established. Studies shows that art allows people to forget about their health or mental health condition for a while, allowing them to focus on the positive things in their life. Being wholly focused on a craft project can have an effect similar to meditation, which research suggests can help in the management of anxiety and depression.

Food bank for the unemployed and vulnerable and low income families

Children, young people and adults with Autism often face social disapproval not because they look different but because they don’t. Poor communication skills, unable to interact, strange patterns of play and sensory issues lead to difficult behaviour making life harder for them and their parents or carers who face awkward questions and unwanted comments. Following research through Children’s Services it became clear that there was a lack of provision in the eastern area to provide a safe environment for children and young people to access enabling parents and carers respite. We are currently the only self-referral centre in the local area to provide a safe, understanding and secure setting for children affected by autism and related conditions. Sunbeams Play is a registered charity, which provides a fun, safe and caring environment for children, young people and adults with ASD to thrive. We understand how difficult it can be for them to engage in mainstream activities due to a variety of social needs and anxieties. Here at Sunbeams they can relax and play in an environment that is suitable for them, alongside or with others who have the same/similar needs. From experience and meeting the children we've find they love attending because everyone is here for the same reason, they do not encounter ‘competition’ or the need to behave in a certain way and can simply be themselves! All of our staff are fully trained and have relevant experience of working with autism. Training about Autism and behaviour management are kept up to date at all times, as well as first aid and other relevant courses. Sunbeams works on a 1:3 ratio, this means for every 3 children/young people (below 16) there will be 1 member of staff. We can have up to 15 children/young people in any one session, your child will be invited to attend a two week introduction during the session appropriate to their age. This enables us to get to know them thoroughly before they start and also for them to get used to staff, the environment and the other children /young people. You may be asked to stay on the premises for the first sessions until your child is comfortable with us. Our evening youth group provides 16-25 year olds with the opportunity to access social opportunities, gain life skills supporting independence as the move on into employment. We also support 25+ to make friends. We understand it's not just about the children and sometimes parents and carers feel lost, frightened, confused, or alone so we've added a free fortnightly Parent Support group. The group provides the opportunity to meet other parents and carers, share ideas, tips and experiences, ask advice or simply relax in each other’s company knowing that everyone understands. For families of children and young people attending Sunbeams we offer private appointments to talk to our highly trained support coordinator who can advise on diagnosis, education, benefits, form filling and behaviour issues or just a listen.