Challenge group at St Andrews

It’s Friday down at St Andrews where the Challenge Group eagerly gathers for their weekly activity – this week making a vegetarian chilli for lunch. This tight-knit community made up of residents with varying mental and physical health backgrounds, finds solace and joy in coming together for activities.

Keith, Mike, Lee and Martine say that the group's purpose is - a welcoming place for everyone to come together if they wanted to, to try something new. “I like the pleasure of eating a meal together” Lee said as he was busy cutting mushrooms for the lunch.

Over the past months, the group has been busy doing lots of activities. During a recent jewellery-making session the group showed off their talents when crafting heartfelt gifts for loved ones, Keith told us that he “loves the feeling of finishing something”. The Christmas wreath designing, which the group did in December, brought festive cheer to all the service.

Mike reflects that “keeping a busy mind is good for your mental health!” Laughter, creativity, and a sense of achievement – that's what the Challenge Group offers, it’s not just about the activities, it’s pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, learning new skills, and making new friends. This according to the Challenge group is what makes them so successful.