Basingstoke MP Maria Miller visited a Mental Health Community Support Service Coffee, Cake and Chat session at the Orchard. The session is run weekly and offers both a drop in and workshop. Maria met a mixture of attendees and staff and volunteers who have worked at the drop in’s and workshops. On display was a collection of the artwork that attendees had produced at the Creative Wellbeing group.

Maria commented; “ It was important to visit the group on world Mental Health Day and see first-hand the positive impact that professionally supported workshops and drop-ins have on mental health; particularly the positive impact of therapeutic art sessions. People with mental health conditions can feel isolated and the group offers invaluable support and a sense of community. Attendees I met said that as part of the support they received practical advice on diet and taking part on health walks have been important in improving their quality of life.”