SDA Independent Living
Bits & Pieces Social Group
Post COVID we're now meeting again at the Southwark Resource Centre (SRC) in SE17 on Thursdays 1430 to 1730. We also meet in SE1 at the Setchell Estate Tenants Hall on Mondays from 1230 to 1430 for lunch. It's an opportunity to get out of the house, be with other people, chat or just pass the time of day in a friendly relaxed place.
Who is it for? Disabled Adults, (please bring your own personal assistant if required)
What is the purpose? Befriending / Social Interaction
Outcome? Increased feeling of well-being
Cost? Generally £1 (includes a sandwich and drinks)
When? Nearly every Thursday, 1430 to 1730
Where? Southwark Resource Centre, 10 Bradenham Close, SE17 2QB.
Referral: Contact Sita Dori, SDA Volunteers Coordinator, email sita@sdail.org or
phone 020 3095 9421, Mondays and Wednesdays.
How it works
The Bits & Pieces group takes place mainly in the Southwark Resource Centre (SRC) Dining Hall on a Thursday. (The SRC is a Southwark Council building from which Independent Living Support is provided by Southwark Health & Social Care Services.)
The Bits & Pieces group is run by Southwark Disablement Association (SDA) a user led voluntary sector organisation registered as a Charity (based at Cornerstone Studios, 1 Addington Square, SE5 7JZ).
The group is primarily for Social Interaction - friendship amongst peers – Disabled People in Southwark.
People attending also have the opportunity to practice, develop and share various life skills with their peers.
The ethos of the group is one of supporting each other rather than having people do stuff for you; there is limited volunteer and paid staff support.
People attending therefore have to be self-sufficient regarding personal care, such as toileting and eating unless you arrange your own personal assistance.
We are not able to provide transport.
There is very little structure to the day; we believe that having to think for yourself what you want to do is an essential element to independent living.
Up to thirty Disabled adults with various conditions and impairments, ages and ethnic backgrounds attend the group.
The afternoon runs from 1430 to 1730 with half an hour flexibility at each end of the day allowing for transport anomalies.
On arrival people need to report to the SRC reception where they tick their name off on the register.
Tea and coffee is available in the Dining Hall on a self-help basis (assistance provided if required).
People generally sit around and chat with an occasional activity laid on for people to participate if they want.
Activities are usually Bingo, Boccia (soft ball version of Boules), quiz games, Karaoke, Dance and sometimes we have guest speakers to discuss community issues.
Bingo in which donated prizes can be won. Tickets cost between 20 and 50 pence.
Occasionally the group has outings.
Access to the group is through an assessment following referral to
Sita Dori, SDA Volunteers Coordinator, email sita@sdail.org or
phone 020 3095 9421 on Mondays or Wednesdays. No referrals on a Thursday.