Wellbeing support & activities
"If you are affected by a life-limiting illness, are a carer or are living with a loss or bereavement, we are here to support you."
Wellbeing support available to our community
Oakhaven Wellbeing is based at the Coates Centre, in the grounds of Oakhaven Hospice. We offer a wide range of drop-in sessions, courses, information events and social activities to help and support you.
In addition to the organised sessions, our 'hub' - with its bright circle of windows drawing in light even on the darkest of days - is a welcoming space to visit. Open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays), please feel free to drop in if you would like to talk to one of our trained volunteers, to find out information, or if you would just like to sit quietly and enjoy our peaceful surroundings.
Please note that the Coates Centre Hub currently closes on Fridays at 1pm, due to a shortage of volunteers. Any organised groups on the calendar will still take place.
Calendar of Oakhaven Wellbeing events and activities at the Coates Centre in Lymington
Meet new friends, enjoy a cuppa and learn a new skill with Oakhaven Wellbeing
Living Well in the Hub
Wednesday 15 July, 10am to 12.30pm in the Coates Centre Hub
Join us every other month for an information session at the Coates Centre with representatives from a variety of organisations including New Forest Disability information Service, HOPe, Princess Royal Trust for Carers, CAP and more!
Stress less for wellbeing
New course coming soon
An 8-week workshop course exploring the impact of stress on our overall wellbeing. An opportunity to consider personal resilience and learn new coping strategies to help manage stress.
An introduction to reiki workshop
Monday 22nd June
This gentle, supportive workshop offers an introduction to Reiki and how it can promote calm, balance, and emotional wellbeing for people living with illness, those who are bereaved, and carers. Booking essential.
Mindful photography
New course coming soon
Discover how photography can calm the mind, spark creativity and support your wellbeing. This workshop blends mindful practice with the Five Pillars of wellbeing, to help you slow down and see the world differently.
Art for Wellbeing
Mondays 10.00 to 12.00 in the Oakhaven Art Room
Explore your creative side with this friendly art class with Palette Club members. All art supplies are provided, no previous experience is required. Booking essential.
Crafts for Wellbeing
Mondays 1.30-3.30pm in the Oakhaven Art Room
Join Karen to try an array of different crafts in the Art Room at Oakhaven. Crafting is personal and a wonderful time to express your individual style. It’s great for mindfulness and wellbeing.
Sing for Joy
Mondays 1.30pm-2.30pm
Click link below for details
Unlock your inner joy and meet new people at this friendly singing group with Leigh - no prior experience is required! Spaces limited, booking essential.
Learn to Sew
Monday drop-in 1.30 to 3.30 in the Coates Centre Hub
Learn basic sewing skills with Sue, from sewing on a button to advice on a sewing project. Learn together around the table, with a chat and a cuppa.
Soup-er Tuesdays
Tuesdays 12.00-1.30pm
Join us at the Coates Centre for a hearty homemade lunch! Enjoy a meal in the company of others. Soup + bread + drink £6.50. Large slice of cake £1.50.
Puzzle Pals
Tuesdays 1.30pm-3.00pm in the Coates Centre Hub
Join us at the Coates Centre for an afternoon doing Jigsaw Puzzles. A great way to while away a winter's afternoon in the company of others! Drop in, no booking required.
An introduction to mindfulness
New course coming soon
This gentle introduction to mindfulness course in a group setting is led by Ron Sharpe. No experience needed, you will be guided and supported. Booking essential.
Board-em Busters
Thursdays 1.30pm-3.00pm
Join us at the Coates Centre for an afternoon of playing board games. A great way to while away a winter's afternoon in the company of others! Drinks and cakes available!
IT Café
1st and 3rd Friday drop-in 10.30 to 12:00noon
Confused about your computer, unsure about emails or frustrated by your phone? Our volunteer-led group can guide you to a better IT understanding. Drop in, no booking required.
Mindful Maintenance
Every other Friday, 10.30am-12pm
Meditation practice for experienced meditators who are familiar with a regular sitting practice and/or have completed our Introduction to Mindfulness course. Facilitated by trained volunteer Gillian. Booking essential.
Simon Says
Child Bereavement Support
If you are a young person aged 11-18 years and are grieving a parent, sibling or other significant family member, come along to a monthly group at the Coates Centre.
Oakhaven Wellbeing bereavement support available to all in our community
Bereavement Support Group
1st Wednesday of each month, drop-in 10:30-12:00
Connect with others who have experienced a loss and discover more about our bereavement support services over a cup of tea or coffee. Our trained team are here to listen. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member.
Cookery Classes
6-Week course
A cookery course for anyone bereaved who finds themselves having to prepare meals for the first time. Learn basic cooking skills alongside others in a friendly and safe environment, then enjoy together the meal your have created. Booking essential!
Widowed Friendship Club
Regular socials and events
A social group run by widowed men and women. Coffee mornings, lunches, walks and outings, such as visits to the theatre - and a Fish and Chip supper on the fourth Friday each month. Meet and socialise with people who understand.
Oakhaven Wellbeing bereavement support available to all in our community
Easy Breathe Respiratory Group
Second Wednesday each month 11am - 12pm
The Easy Breathe peer support group is for anyone affected by or caring for someone with a respiratory condition. Share experiences, information and tips on how to manage symptoms, stress and other challenges. Online link available if unable to attend in person.
Dementia Support Group
Thursdays, 10.30am-12.00 in the Coates Centre
If you and your loved one are affected by a dementia diagnosis, you are both welcome to come along to this relaxed and friendly group facilitated by Cynthia Doughty from BonHomie and our volunteers. Enjoy cake and a cuppa, share information, support each other and make new friendships. Art session also available.
Memory Works
Tuesdays, 10.30am-12pm in the Coates Centre
Memoryworks offers early-stage support for people living with dementia and/or cognitive impairment. Places are subject to an assessment (not a clinical assessment). Participants and carers are welcome to join us for a free taster after an element of triage has taken place. The structured programme is from 14-16 weeks, with a range of topics according to the needs of the group. Cost: £12.00 per session (carers free).
Oakhaven Wellbeing News
New ways for Oakhaven to generate funds
New ways for Oakhaven to generate funds Oakhaven Hospice is exploring a range of paid services that will generate new sources of income to help cover the growing costs of its hospice care. Oakhaven works within an increasingly challenging environment of continually growing demand and costs, with ever-increasing competition from an income generating perspective. At […]
Stillness and strength: an introduction to reiki for living well
Stillness and strength: an introduction to Reiki for living well Our Complementary Therapy team will be holding an introduction to Reiki workshop on Monday 22nd June from 10am to 12pm at the Coates Centre, at Oakhaven. This gentle, supportive workshop offers an introduction to Reiki and how it can promote calm, balance, and emotional wellbeing […]
Learn about hand massage and aromatherapy
Hand massage and aromatherapy workshop Our Complementary Therapy team will be holding a hand massage and aromatherapy workshop on Monday 9th March from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Coates Centre, at Oakhaven. Join us for a relaxing and nurturing morning, where you’ll learn the gentle art of hand massage and enjoy an introduction to aromatherapy. […]
Mindful photography workshops
Focus – Breathe – Frame. Mindful photography to help your wellbeing. Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement? Our series of mindful photography workshops will start on 2nd February, and will run for 5 weeks, from 10am to 12.30pm, meeting each week in the Coates Centre […]
Weekly crafting session to help your wellbeing
Join our crafting session to boost your wellbeing! Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement? Our weekly crafting session offers more than creativity; it provides a gentle, supportive space where people can meet together. Through meeting, chatting, and connecting, participants find comfort, self-expression, and shared understanding. […]
Live well – join our art session to help your wellbeing
Join our art class to boost your wellbeing! Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement? Our weekly art group offers more than creativity; it provides a gentle, supportive space where people can meet together. Through meeting, chatting, and connecting, participants find comfort, self-expression, and shared understanding. […]
Chair yoga at the Coates Centre
A new chair yoga class at the Coates Centre Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement? Enjoy gentle seated movement, visualisation and breathing with yoga teacher Diana. Chair yoga helps improve mobility and wellbeing. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing. Our next course starts on […]
Boost your wellbeing with Sing for Joy!
Sing for Joy at the Coates Centre to boost your wellbeing! Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement? Unlock your inner joy by coming along to this friendly singing group, led by Leigh – no prior experience required! Learn ways to warm up and use your […]
Mindfulness maintenance: fortnightly session at the Coates Centre
Continue your mindfulness practice fortnightly at the Coates Centre If you are affected by a life-limiting illness, are a carer or are living with a loss or bereavement, we are here to support you. This session is for experienced meditators who are familiar with a regular sitting practice and that have completed Oakhaven’s 6-week Introduction […]
Christmas tips when your loved one has dementia
Christmas tips when your loved one has dementia Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who provide free, expert advice, support and understanding to help families care for their loved one. Dementia can be devastating for the whole family. Too often, people are left to cope alone with ever-changing and relentless challenges. Families often have to […]

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