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. 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
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.
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 questions for Paul, a volunteer who has also worked with Citizens Advice New Forest for several years. Gain understanding and confidence to go forward.
Sing for Joy
Tuesdays 1.30pm-2.30pm
Friendly singing group with Leigh - no prior experience required! Tuesdays from 2nd July to 6th August.
Mindfulness
8 week course, Tuesdays
28 May-16 July 7-9pm
Join this gentle introduction to mindfulness in a group setting. No experience needed, you will be guided and supported. These are free sessions, donations are appreciated.
Mindful Maintenance
2nd Friday 10.30am-12noon
Meditation practice for experienced meditators who are familiar with a regular sitting practice and/or have completed our mindfulness course. Facilitated by trained volunteer Gillian.
Estate Planning
Check calendar for dates
Drop-in to see Katrina from PHJ Planning, who visits the Coates Centre regularly, volunteering time to chat about any estate planning concerns or queries.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Prioritise your wellbeing by giving yourself the time to attend our workshops...
Hand Massage Workshop
Tuesday 1 October, 14.00-15.30
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.
Aromatherapy Workshop
Wednesday 6 November, 10.00-11.30
Join this workshop to explore the wonderful benefits of aromatherapy. Discover how different scents influence our emotions. Learn practical tips to use essential oils for yourself or your loved ones.
Learn to Relax Workshop
Thursday 13 February, 14.00-15.30
Join us at the Coates Centre to discover the importance of relaxation on your wellbeing. Explore how complementary therapy techniques can help you to relax. This workshop is designed to help you understand relaxation and learn new ways to unwind and destress.
Socialise and find support with Oakhaven Wellbeing at the Coates Centre
Stroke Café
Currently not taking place
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
Memoryworks offers early-stage support for people living with dementia and/or cognitive impairment. We have a structured programme of group activities and discussions based on the principles of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy. Our aim is to keep people's minds active and engaged. Being part of a group also helps to build self-esteem and confidence. The group offers an opportunity to share experiences and have fun in a relaxed and supported environment.
Living Well Now Course
New course starting in 2024
Oakhaven Wellbeing News
Outdoor Activities for Health and Wellbeing
By Karen Silverthorne Whatever you have going on in your life right now, it’s important to pay attention to your health and wellbeing. Looking after your physical needs can have a knock-on effect on your mental state and this can put you in a better position to help yourself and those around you. Exercise can […]
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Anticipatory Grief – What Is It and How Do We Recognise It?
By Mette Nielsen, Counsellor. Every one of us will be experiencing the loss of a loved one during our lives. Some of us will be carers for a short or a long time due to illness or a life limiting condition. We may experience feelings and emotions which we find distressing and difficult to manage […]
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Planning for the Future: things to consider
By Karen Silverthorne It seems there are so many extra difficulties to face at the moment and the idea of making end-of-life plans may be something you find difficult. But by giving consideration to this now, it can lessen anxiety if you become unwell and can help those you are close to if you’re not […]
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Self Care in Bereavement
By Paula Noyce, Counsellor As a palliative, oncology and bereavement counsellor, some of the most common descriptions I hear used by those who have lived alongside loved ones through illness and death are, ‘completely drained’, ‘exhausted’, and the feeling of ‘running on empty’. It is the inevitable impact of being alongside a significant person, whether […]
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Facing Fear: How to Cope with Health Anxiety during the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Steph McClean, Psychotherapist Throughout life, most of us keep an eye on our health and wellbeing. However, there are times when we are more anxious about our health than others. It might be that we need to go back to our GP for a persistent issue, or we need tests or scans to see […]
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Having those Important Conversations about Dying and Death
By Paul Hatchard, Chaplain It’s the conversation no one wants to have isn’t it? In fact, in a survey conducted by the charity Dying Matters they found that 72% of the British public are uncomfortable discussing dying, death and bereavement. It’s true that it’s an uncomfortable subject – we’d rather not think about it. Yet […]
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How to support children and young people in the face of COVID-19
By Mette Nielsen, Counsellor Life has suddenly been turned up-side down for all of us and not least our children and young people because of the outbreak of Covid-19. Schools, colleges and universities have closed early. There may not be any transition preparations for going to the next stage for primary school children nor proms […]
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Missing the Moment: Self Isolating when a Loved One is Dying
By Steph McClean, Psychotherapist When we have a loved one who is being cared for at the end of life, the choices and decisions we make matter. A key part of palliative care is about helping people make informed decisions in advance if they can; for example about where they want to die and how […]
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How Mindfulness Can Help in Times of Crisis
By Paula Noyce, Counsellor and Mindfulness Practitioner Please don’t stop reading already, I am not going to be suggesting we ‘om’ ourselves through the next four months,,,, We are, indeed, living in a time of crisis unprecedented in our lifetimes and it is an extremely uncomfortable experience, whether we are frontline professionals or witnesses to […]
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