OPT-in

Opportunities for Participation in Tameside

• About OPT-in
• The OPT-in Team
• Timetable of all OPT-in Groups
• Social Drop-ins
• Green Group
• What The members Say About the OPT-in Group
• Healthy Lifestyles Group
• Dukinfield Art and Craft Group
• Craft Recycling Group
• College Art Group
• Basic Computer Skills
• Guide Bridge Theatre Project
• Digital Camera Group
• Football Group
• Music Group
• “Write On”
• Volunteers Wanted!

About OPT-in

• We offer support to people affected by mental health issues
• We provide a range of social and activity groups in community settings throughout Tameside
• Anyone can become a member of a group and people can join as many groups as they like
• The groups are run by their own members, with assistance from OPT-in staff who will help people to settle in and become more involved—if they wish to
• There will be opportunities for people to volunteer within the groups and further afield
• With OPT-in you have more choice and greater involvement

The OPT-in Team

• Phil Greaves - Manager
• Wendy Gough
• Karen McPartland
• Lin Denidni

Timetable of all OPT-in Groups

Social Drop-ins

We have three social drop-in groups: one at St Georges Church, Hyde on Tuesdays 12.00 - 4.00 another at West Villa in Dukinfield on Thursday 10.00 - 4.00, and one at the Denton Methodist building on Fridays 11.30 - 3.30.

Each drop-in offers:

• Unlimited drinks—for a small cost
• Use of kitchen facilities
• A fully accessible building on a main bus route

At Denton and Hyde you can have a go at quizzes, board games, table football, table tennis and pool. At Dukinfield you can listen to music, relax in the garden and take part in quizzes etc. You can also make use of the Mental Health Information Centre based here.

You can meet with old friends and make new ones in a warm, friendly and caring environment. You may stay for the whole session or just pop in for a chat and a cuppa - the choice is yours.

Green Group

This small, friendly group of people meet at West Villa on Wednesday.

• They maintain the gardens at West Villa
• Grow vegetables and flowers
• Enjoy local walks
• The group also has links with the Tameside Countryside Service and helps out in local conservation projects.

Please contact Opt-in for further information.

What The Members Say About The Opt-In Groups

"I enjoy meeting people and am able to talk to people about any problems I have." - James, social group, green group, art group member and OPT-in chair person.

"I enjoy meeting people at St Georges social group. Without the group I would feel isolated". - Martyn, social group member.

"Everyone is supportive and puts you at ease." - Julia, drama group member.

"I like coming to the groups because it gets you out and I realise I am not the only one with problems, and I am doing something I really enjoy!" - Peter, green group and social group member.

"I like the music group because everyone can participate if they want whatever their ability, but there is no pressure and you can just listen if you want." - Paul, music group, green group and social group member.

"The groups are good for socialising and cups of tea!" - Christine, Social group and art group member.

"Taking part in the productions and group activities has improved my confidence." - Chris, drama group member.

"I enjoy meeting nice friendly people!" - Gaynor, social group member.

"Going to the college art group has built up my self esteem, social skills and confidence in art and interacting with others." - Dianne, college art group.

"Feelings are lifted after you have attended one of these sessions, you feel more positive about yourself" - Rosemary, healthy lifestyles group member.

"I like being part of a team and my confidence has grown." - Anne, writing group member.

"It gets you out. I enjoy meeting friends and socialising with people. I like the banter and having a laugh!" - Gary, social group member.

Healthy Lifestyles Group

Group Aim

To help people improve their general well-being and feel better about themselves.

The group promotes the 5 Ways to Wellbeing:

• Make contact
• Take notice
• Be active
• Keep learning
• Give

If you want to learn how to improve your  general health and increase your motivation with a warm and friendly group of people, then please contact Opt-in for more information about joining this group.

Dukinfield Art and Craft Group

If you have an interest in art and craft and would like to have a go at different creative activities in a relaxed, warm and friendly atmosphere, then this is the group for you.

You can try your hand at:

• Card making
• Silk painting
• Oil painting
• Drawing and sketching
• Knitting and sewing

And anything else you find interesting!

If you would like to give it a go, then please telephone OPT-in for further information.

Craft Recycling Group

The aim of this group is to make use of the things we usually throw away by turning them into art and craft items.

This group is for people of all abilities who enjoy being creative and who care about the environment.

They meet at West Villa on Tuesday afternoon 1.00 - 3.30

For more information please contact OPT-in on 339 2985

College Art Group

This group is for people who already have some skills and experience in art. It can be used as a stepping stone to the BTEC Art and Design course at Tameside College.

You will visit art galleries and exhibitions, learn about the general principles of art and have the opportunity to produce a portfolio of your own work to help prepare you for the BTEC course.

If you are interested please contact Karen at OPT-in for further information.

Basic Computer Skills

For complete beginners:

• How to use a mouse and keyboard
• Getting online and searching the internet
• Using email
• Certificate of achievement

For more information contact the OPT-in team at West Villa

Guide Bridge Theatre Project

This successful group has been running for several years and is supported by a drama specialist and a volunteer actor from Guide Bridge Theatre.

As a group member you will be able to take part in many activities, including:

• Warm up games
• Acting
• Reading scripts
• Relaxation
• Behind the scenes work
• Occasional productions
• Trips out

Most important of all you will be able to have fun in a non-threatening and relaxed atmosphere.

Thursday afternoon at Guide Bridge Theatre 1.30—3.30

All Welcome!

Digital Camera Group

For anyone who wants to get more from their digital camera.

• How creative can I be?
• How can I improve the quality of my photos?
• What can I do with my pictures?
• Where can I use my camera?
• Cameras and computers

Thursday afternoon 1.00—2.30 at West Villa

Football Group

Group Information

• Based at Medlock Sports Centre Droylsden
• Suitable for all ages and abilities
• Part of North West Mental Health Football League.
• Supported by at least one staff member
• Played outside on astro turf
• Requires all members to wear suitable clothing clothing and footwear
• Members can take part in visits and social outings

If you feel you would like to increase your physical fitness and have fun with a welcoming and friendly group of people, then please contact OPT-in for more information.

Music Group

If you enjoy music then join us at The Station Hotel Ashton on Thursdays 6.00pm - 7.30pm.

The group is for people of all abilities who want to learn, play, sing or simply listen and enjoy.

“Write On” 

A creative writing group for people recovering from or suffering with mental health related problems.

The group is aimed at people who love to write and be creative with words and who want to produce poetry, prose, short stories and more.

If you would like to mix your metaphors, shuffle your similes and attack your acrostic then please join us every Tuesday at West Villa 10.30am - 12.30pm.

Volunteers Wanted!

The Opt-in groups have several volunteer opportunities and we would really appreciate your help.

We need people to:

• Help run the groups
• Assist with fundraising
• Be responsible for group materials and equipment

If you think you can offer a an hour or two of your time on a regular basis then please contact the OPT-in team on 339 2985.