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.
Please note that the Coates Centre Hub will be closing on Fridays at 1pm from Friday 8th November until further notice, 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 26 November 10am to 12.30pm in the Coates Centre Hub
A monthly information session at the Coates Centre with representatives from a variety of organisations including New Forest Disability, HOPe, Princess Royal Trust for Carers, CAP and more!
An introduction to mindfulness
New 6-week course, starts Tuesday 4th November, 7pm - 9.30pm
Join this gentle introduction to mindfulness in a group setting, led by Ron Sharpe. No experience needed, you will be guided and supported. Booking essential.
Managing insomnia workshop
Wednesday 19th November 10am to 12.30pm
Evaluate your current sleep habits, explore natural remedies and discover techniques for better rest and increased energy. Booking essential.
Stress less for wellbeing
New 8-week course starts Monday 13 April
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.
Art in the Art Room
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.
Sing for Joy
Mondays 12.30pm-1.30pm
20th and 27th October
Unlock your inner joy and meet new people at this friendly singing group with Leigh - no prior experience is required! Spaces limited, booking essential.
Crafts for Wellbeing
Mondays 1.30-3.30pm in the Oakhaven Art Room
Join Karen to have a go at 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.
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 from 11th November
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.
Meet. Chat. Jot.
Selected Wednesdays 10am-12pm
NEW! Join us for uplifting, practical sessions exploring the power of journaling to boost clarity, creativity and emotional wellbeing. A safe and supportive space to meet, chat and jot down positive reflections. Places limited, booking essential.
12th November
10th December
Chair Yoga
Selected Wednesdays 2pm-3pm in the Coates Centre
Enjoy gentle seated movement, visualisation and breathing with yoga teacher Diana. Helps improve mobility and wellbeing. Wear comfy clothing. Places limited, booking essential.
22nd October
26th November
24th December
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 10-11am
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, 10.30-11.30am in the Coates Centre
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.
Oakhaven Wellbeing News
Coping with grief at Christmas
Coping with grief at Christmas Christmas is associated with joy and celebration. A time when, traditionally, people spend time with their families and loved ones. This can be difficult for those spending Christmas alone, particularly as preparations seem to start well before Christmas. For those who are grieving, Christmas can intensify feelings of loss and […]
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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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
A gentle introduction to mindfulness, NEW 6-week course
A gentle introduction to mindfulness 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. Our 6-week course, led by Ron Sharpe, is aimed at developing an understanding of how bringing mindfulness to aspects of our […]
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Stress Less for Wellbeing – NEW 8 week course starts 13th April
Stress less for wellbeing: a new 8-week course in April 2026 Stress can affect us all in a variety of different ways. Our 8-week series of workshops explores the impact of stress on our overall daily well-being. Open to everyone in our New Forest, Totton and Waterside community, it provides an opportunity for you to […]
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Managing Insomnia Workshop
Join our workshop to help manage your insomnia Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement? Are you beyond tired? Cannot think straight? Experiencing interrupted sleep? Join us at the Coates Centre on Wednesday, 19th November, to evaluate your current sleep habits, explore natural remedies and discover […]
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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. Helps improve mobility and wellbeing. Wear comfy clothing. Places limited, booking essential. 24th September22nd October26th November24th December Book today! […]
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Meet-chat-jot: creative writing for wellbeing
A new journaling social group to help boost your wellbeing Are you navigating a life-limiting illness, caring for someone or living with a loss or bereavement? NEW this autumn is Meet-Chat-Jot! Join us for uplifting, practical sessions exploring the power of journaling to boost clarity, creativity and emotional wellbeing. Peta Butcher will be facilitating our […]
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Join the Art Class in our Art Room!
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. […]
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Life changes? Make sure your Will is up to date!
September is Write a Will Month! Book your appointment from 18th August. Life changes? Make sure your Will is up to date! Your life is full of milestones; house purchases, marriage, children or divorce…to ensure that your wishes remain current, you should keep it updated – why not utilise our Write A Will Month to make those […]
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