Wellbeing support & activities

Wellbeing support available to our community
Oakhaven Wellbeing is based at the Coates Centre, in the grounds of Oakhaven Hospice. 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.
We offer a wide range of drop-in sessions, courses, information events and social activities to help and support you. Most of our services are provided free of charge, although donations to Oakhaven Hospice are appreciated.
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.
Calendar of Oakhaven Wellbeing events and activities at the Coates Centre in Lymington
Christmas events and activities with Oakhaven Wellbeing
Christmas Sing for Joy
Monday 4 December
1.15-2.15
Join Leigh and her group Straight Banana for a fun Christmas sing-along session! Everyone is welcome to sing - or sit back and enjoy the festive vibes!
Xmas Mindful Movement
Tuesday 5 December
1.00 to 2.00
Join a special Christmas yoga session with Diana, to celebrate your wellbeing. Wear your most festive jumper and unlock your inner Santa-spirit!
Harmonica Tunes
Wednesday 13 December
2.00 to 3.00
Join the local Milford Harmonica group for a bit of festive fun! Bring a friend or two, sit back with a drink and enjoy! No need to book - the more the merrier!
Christmas Love to Move
Wednesday 20 December
10.00-11.00
A seated, dementia-friendly Love to Move class to music, suitable for all ages. Wear Christmas jumpers and hats for a cheerful celebration!
Meet new friends, enjoy a cuppa and learn a new skill with Oakhaven Wellbeing
Art in the Hub
Monday drop-in 10.00 to 12.00
Explore your creative side with this friendly art class with Palette Club members. All art supplies are provided, no previous experience is required.
Learn to Sew
Monday drop-in 1.30 to 3.30
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 at the Hub
Tuesday drop-in 12noon to 1pm, £5.00
Join us for homemade soup and freshly baked bread, followed by cake and a cuppa. Make new friends, enjoy a healthy meal and a good chat around the table.
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.
Citizens Advice
2nd and 4th Friday of the month, drop-in 10.00 to 12.30
Drop in for a cuppa with your questions for Paul, one of our volunteers who has also worked with Citizens Advice New Forest for several years. Gain understanding and confidence to go forward.
Mindful Movement
New sessions coming soon!
Enjoy gentle seated movement with yoga teacher Diana, using visualisation and breath focus to help improve mobility and wellbeing. Wear comfy clothing. No experience necessary.
Love to Move
New sessions coming soon!
A fun seated movement programme to music with Jules, supported by the British Gymnastics Foundation. Suitable for people with dementia, Parkinson's, MS and following a stroke.
Sing for Joy
New sessions coming soon!
Following our inaugural session in October, we are planning more sessions for 2024. Click the link below to register your interest.
Oakhaven Wellbeing bereavement support available to all in our community
Bereavement Coffee Mornings
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 cuppa. Our trained team are here to listen. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member.
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.
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!
Socialise and find support with Oakhaven Wellbeing at the Coates Centre
Stroke Café
2nd Wednesday of month, 2.00 to 3.30
If you or a loved one has been affected by a stroke, join the Stroke Association staff and volunteers for their monthly group, offering education and information around the table.
Easy Breathe Respiratory Group
2nd Wednesday of month, 10.00-11.00
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
Thursday drop-in 10.30-12.00
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.
Memory Works Course
14-week course starting in 2024
Supported by Hampshire County Council, this weekly facilitated group helps people with an early diagnosis of dementia who are still able to function independently. Using Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), this is a fun and stimulating environment. Memory Works will carry out an assessment to ensure it is suitable for you/your loved one to take part.
Living Well Now Course
New course starting in 2024
Prioritise your wellbeing by giving yourself the time to attend our workshops...
Managing Insomnia Workshop
Thursday 8 February, 13.30-15.30
Join our workshop on sleep management. Evaluate your current sleep habits, explore natural remedies and discover techniques for better rest and increased energy. Discover new ways to improve your sleep pattern and take away a complimentary aromatherapy gift.
Hand Massage Workshop
Thursday 14 March, 13.30-15.30
Join our workshop to uncover the benefits of massage. Learn a simple hand massage for self-care or for others, including a brief history and various techniques. You will feel the benefits and will leave with a bottle of massage oil for continued relaxation at home.
Aromatherapy Workshop
Friday 12 April, 10.00-12.00
Dive into the world of aromatherapy with this introductory session. Understand the benefits and practical tips for using different essential oils at home for yourself and loved ones. Take home an aromatherapy gift for your senses to enjoy!
Oakhaven Wellbeing News
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