Cultural visits as Red Door wellbeing activity continues

Supporting people who access our services to improve their health and wellbeing is a big part of our work, and in recent months visitors to our Red Door day centre in Bury have been doing that in a very special way. 

The latest activity, cultural walks – which was kindly funded by the Bury Recovery Fund – is part of a range of activities the centre is running to support people such as crafts, board game sessions and other social activities. 

The cultural walks see visitors and team members heading out to a range of local museums and other cultural or historic sites and is part of the service developed in conjunction with people accessing the service about what they’d like to see and do. 

Mike Holmes, the centre manager, said: “Everyone is welcome at Red Door and we’re always talking to people that come along to find out how we can continue to improve the support and activities we offer. 

 “The cultural walks are just the latest in a series of developments and new activities we’ve implemented at Red Door and we’re already seeing a really positive response from people who have taken part.  We provide packed lunches for everyone who comes along and it’s such a great way to be social together, get out in the fresh air and moving – and to learn something on the way too!” 

Following a recent visit to the Natural History Museum, one person taking part said: “I am working through recovery on my own. Coming to Red Door on these walks get me out and clear headed and socialising. I would be tempted to use otherwise.” 

Another participant, speaking after taking part in the visit added: “This activity got me out of the house and helped my anxiety around other people. It’s stopped me from drinking alcohol for the day, as I tend to drink when I am bored. The visit to the museum kept me interested all day.” 

For more information on Red Door or how you can join in the walks, visits and other activities, visit the page on our website about the service here.