Forum is run by the Friends as part of its Community work, as a Club for older people - 60 years upwards - living at home, with cultural and intellectual interests who now have, or are in danger of developing a mental health problem which has resulted in social and intellectual isolation. Membership usually consists of about 35 people, usually in about equal numbers of women and men, and several carers. There is no membership fee, but a £5.00 contribution towards a home-cooked lunch is required.

The make-up of membership is always that of a typical cross-section of any local community, covering school, surgery, hospital, church, bank, business, armed services, law, arts, the sciences,.. The teaching profession from primary to university level is always particularly well represented.

Music usually tends to be top of members' stated interests, followed by literature, poetry, art and art history, gardening, travel, languages, politics, history, wildlife, religion, theatre and films. The subjects of the seminar-style talks which follow lunch, and are given by visiting speakers, cover these and many other topics, including current health issues of both local and national importance. There is also an occasional consultation with members by local Health Trusts.

Talks lead to lively discussion and many questions. Subjects may be proposed by members, and members can also contribute.

Fifteen like-minded volunteers, almost all of them with some sort of experience of mental illness, are there to run the Club, greet, help and talk to members.

Prospective members should normally be referred by their key worker or other professional carer: referral forms are available (see below). Referrals can be made for those in residential homes. If a referral is particularly urgent this should be indicated on the form. The coordinator can visit prospective members to talk about the Club, and if necessary can call to get to know new members before they attend for the first time. Professional health workers may accompany a new member the first time they come to the Club.

[Illustration Above - Forum Christmas Lunch]

Professional workers are also always very welcome at meetings as observers, though notice is required.

For more information, and a referral form, please email or contact the Friends by phone, on 01223 840381. Referrals should come through a health professional.

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