ABOUT US

 

The Mycenae Reach Out Project

Established 2017




Deborah Fitzpatrick, 

Community Project Outreach Manager



When Deborah joined Mycenae House in 2017, her initial focus was on the wellbeing of the community's most vulnerable members. This led to the creation of the "Reach Out Wellbeing Weekly Thursday" group,  that has blossomed into a vibrant gathering of individuals. The group not only provides crucial weekly meet ups for some members, who might otherwise be isolated, but has also created lasting friendships. , The Reach Out Project has since expanded its offerings, launching the broader Reach Out Project. This  encompasses both one-off events and regular activities, aimed at combatting loneliness within the local community. Through these efforts, we are actively "reaching out" to build a stronger and more connected community. 


Nominations and Awards


The Reach Out Project has harnessed significant recognition for its impactful work in the community, earning nominations and awards that highlight its dedication and innovative approach. The project's dedication has been acknowledged with nominations for the Passionate People Awards with Marsh Commercial and the Best of Royal Borough of Greenwich Business Awards.  The Reach Out Project was a finalist in the Student Library Association Community Awards 2023, recognized for its community partnership with The John Roan School.  A prestigious moment in the life of The Reach Out Project saw Jennifer Allen (librarian at The John Roan School) and Deborah (The Reach Out Manager), both receive The British Citizens Award Medals (BCAc) at The Palace of Westminster in 2024, a testament to their work in fostering intergenerational partnerships.


Our Approach


The Reach Out programme supports those that are socially isolated and/or vulnerable and who may suffer poor physical and mental health and loneliness.   We try to connect those from hard to reach groups to get together and make friends. Mycenae Reach Out works to support those community members and signposts to other partnership organisations who can give expert advice.  



We have worked with local Schools to take activities into Care Homes and have trained schoolchildren to become Dementia Friends.  

 

Reach Out Programme


  • A weekly Wellbeing Thursday group for the vulnerable
  • A weekly & monthly seated exercise & dance session with Darren Holness and The Pointer School
  • Monthly crafts
  • Monthly seated sosa dance and boccia on with Paul Fosu
  • Monthly bingo
  • Singing group for those with Learning Disabilities with Nightingale CIC (now disbanded)
  • Carer’s Hub with Greenwich Carers Centre for those needing support and advice
  • One to one support for those new to Technology 
  • General - Signposting, advice & information 
  • Chill n Chat with Reach Out Volunteers
  • Mycenae Music with Phill - Music and chat about albums
  • 6 week 'Identity' session with The Prince Phillip Maritime Collections Centre (now ended)
  • Friday music song/poetry sessions 
  • Hearing loss advice
  • Instrumental and singing sessions from a professional musician for those on low incomes


     Sessions are frequently updated so keep an eye on new activities published.

   


Partnerships and collaboration


Mycenae Reach Out establishes brand new partnerships with organisations and are keen to develop more. 


Partners we have worked with:- 


The John Roan School, The Pointer School, The Blackheath High School, The Royal Albert Hall (Albert’s Band), The Alzheimer’s Society, Crossroads Care, Nightingale CIC, South London Special League, GLL Get Active, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greenwich Music School, Home Instead (Bexley & Greenwich) Paul Clayton (Comfortably Digital CIC), Greenwich Time to Talk, The Greenwich Carers Centre, Greenwich Park Revealed Project, Rectory Court, Leah Lodge, Charlton Park, Puddington Lane and Morden College Care Homes, Bo-Peeps and Tudor Grange (kids into Care Homes), The Avenues Group (It Takes 2),  All Around Magic, Age UK (Men in Sheds), AGE UK Greenwich Befrienders, Volunteer Greenwich Befriending, SELWAT, Good Food in Greenwich, The GoodGym in Greenwich, Nike O2, Barclays Bank (The Royal Standard), Simona from Bluebird Care, Darren Holness Personal Trainor, The World Harmony Orchestra, Therapy 4 Healing, NHS Community rehabilitation and Enablement Service Team at Oxleas NHS, The University of Greenwich Big Band, The Prince Phillip Maritime Collections Centre, Ignition Music Tuition, Jane's Craft Corner, Janey Jones Crafts, The Irish Community Services, Dunelm Charlton, Crossroads Care, Kate Howden, Asda (Charlton)


Funding into the future


Looking ahead we need to identify funding pots and to bid for applications to expand Mycenae Reach Out in helping our community.  Could you help us raise valuable funds?   We were grateful to receive some funds from Gingko Financial, Forterra Community fund and KAD DLR towards our Christmas celebrations.


Key People



Key people involved in Mycenae Reach Out include IT Guru Paul Clayton from Comfortably Digital CIC. Jon Foyle is our awesome digital volunteer helping people with their gadgets and we were pleased a recieve a volunteer award for his commitment.


Emma Bond, Creative Director and Founder of Nightingale Music CIC, Woolwich_Musicspace has been instrumental in leading our singing group for those with learning disabilities at Mycenae House and outreach into supported living homes.


Carol Foyle trained schoolchildren to become Dementia Friends and we were proud to run this project with a local school.


Darren Holness Personal Trainor, Paul Fosu and Simona from Bluebird Care and The Pointer School who helped us to run a brand new inclusive Exercise & Dance class.


Alison from Hearing Link for free advice sessions on Hearing Loss


Mycenae Reach Out also recruited volunteers from United Living Refurbishment Company,  Barclays Bank and  Nike 02.  


With thanks to Roger Minton from All Around Magic for continually supporting the Project as compere bingo caller, entertainer and magician.


Other key people are our wonderful volunteers and our community who get together and enjoy the activities and friendships made at Mycenae House. Our community are a joy to us and love to get involved in what we do.