Weekly Outings Group
In July 2008, shortly after taking over as Team Leader, Jason suggested that a user led outings group might be beneficial for members and asked me if I would like to help make it happen. I thought it was a good idea and so we started to organize weekly outings on Mondays. The idea soon became very popular and we now have a group of regulars who come out every week.
We made visits to various places and we liked some of them so much that we go back to them regularly. Among the most popular outings are a visit to Holland Park, where we picnic, a river trip to Greenwich, where we have lunch at a local restaurant, before the return trip. A particularly well-liked regular outing is a trip to Shepherd’s Bush, where we visit the charity shops and the Market before having lunch at Wetherspoons.
One of our most memorable events was a group pre-Christmas Buffet lunch at the Thistle Hotel at Marble Arch which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. I was really pleased to organize and provide this occasion which was financed entirely by donations from friends and well-wishers and hope that we can do something similar this year.
The group is partly funded by Mind and to a great extent by the user’s own efforts, like contributing to the cost of lunches on outings, the proceeds of the raffle at the Bazaar in April and donations form friends and well-wishers mentioned above who like to support a very good cause.
We are a happy group who enjoy each others company and look out for each other when we are out and about. Our trips and outings could not be as happy and successful as they are except for the enthusiasm and helpful efforts of Joe Lee, always ready with a helping hand.
Thank you Joe for everything.
I am very happy to be able to do what I do with the Outings Group and feel that I am giving something back to Mind in return for their help and support.
By: Alice (Joy) Bailey
Last, but certainly not least some comments from our trippers:-
“If I don’t go with Outings Group I don’t go out” - Karin
“Get away from it all and see different places.” - Mary
“I can go out and enjoy myself.” - Madalena
“It’s a break from sitting at home watching TV.” - Anthony
“gives me the motivation to get washed and dressed to go out with the group.” - Nellie
“terrific-superb” - Stav
“It’s a joy to come out with Joy.” - Trevor
“Great success, love the outings, everybody gets on so well, we look out for each other.” - Raymond
“get to see all parts of London outside Zone 2.” - Li
The outings group is an entirely user run group which depends on contributions from its members, some funding through Mind.
Help us open new opportunities for our members by making a donation to support this group. Thank you.
