Tag Archive | picnic in the park

Depression Alliance Picnic in the Park coming soon……..

Apr28

Calling ALL Depression Alliance Facebook page participants, whether you post stuff on the page or whether you “read only”, the DA invite you to a fun-filled afternoon in Stratford-Upon-Avon on Sunday 5 June. There is plenty of room for everyone and I would love us to fill a field in this wonderful location.

This will be a very informal gathering, so bring your family and friends, your picnic and  lots of fun games to play so we can make it an afternoon to remember.  Here you will be able to “Find your inner child” or sit quietly and watch the world go by, stroll along the picturesque river bank or visit local attractions and make a whole day of it.

Here are the details you need; let me know if you are coming so we know to expect you!

The Depression Alliance Picnic in the Park 2011

What’s happening?                

Depression Alliance & friends invite you to their “Picnic in the Park” 

When?                                   

Sunday 5 June 2011 from 12.00pm 

Where?                                  

Stratford-upon-Avon Recreation Ground (adjacent to the river and opposite The Shakespeare Theatre)
Swan’s Nest lane, Stratford-upon-Avon,CV37 6BB                                                                 http://www.stratford.gov.uk/transport/recreation-ground.cfm

Directions:  Meet up in the car park and walk along to the DA picnic area which will  be obvious by the gathering of orange Space-hoppers and interesting collection of outdoor games. 

Facilities available:    

Extensive grassy area suitable for a family picnic and fun day out.
Children’s play area.
Toilets and baby changing available in the public toilet block in the car park.   
Wheelchair access is available along the riverside path.  

What to bring:          

 A picnic and any outdoor games for extra fun-factor and of course plenty of sun cream!

Alternative parking:   

 A Park and Ride facility is available 5 minutes out of the town at  
Bishopton.                                                   

                                                                http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/stratfordparkandride 

Please note that BBQs are not permitted. 

Nearby attractions:   

                     http://www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk/static_512.htm

Be there or miss out!

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Depression Awareness Week- Rediscover your inner-child

Apr12

Play more.

This is one of the most common pieces of advice to help those with depression who may be stuck in an inactive, guilt-ridden rut. If you are sitting there feeling guilty about enjoying yourself and you often put other’s needs first at the cost of some “me” time then you probably need to find your inner-child and learn to play again.  The chances are that with a combination of  low mood, apathy, lack of motivation and energy you have forgotten how to enjoy yourself.  Putting some fun back into your life can be hard at first but everyone needs and deserves a break. Take a look at your weekly schedule. How many things do you do that you enjoy? What did you used to enjoy doing which you don’t do any more? Why not?

My son’s 5th birthday party was held at a  hall in the town near where we lived.  A Bouncy castle was part of the deal and whilst I was quite happy keeping a watchful eye on 30 5-year-olds taking turns to bounce away without inhibition secretly I couldn’t wait until they had all gone home so I could go and have a bounce myself.

And so I did.

What great fun it was and I left the party out of breath but feeling elated.

One of my current priorities is to put some fun me-time back in my calendar. It means I have to be organised, and think ahead but I know that I will feel better for it and won’t be so grumpy. Doing things that I enjoy will lift my mood, increase my self-confidence and give me a platform from where I hope to regain the energy and desire to do things I know is lurking underneath this smothering blanket of depression. You don’t have to go rampaging around on Spacehoppers like yours truly, or get the train set out like yours truly, or fill the paddling pool, like yours truly, but you do need to find something that you can do and enjoy freely and without inhibition.

Try watching a group of children play. No inhibition; no sense of danger; lots of laughter ringing out from all directions. How nice to feel that free and how good for the soul is that?

For my UK readers, watch out for the Depression Alliance Picnic in the Park coming to Stratford Upon Avon on Sunday 5 June…..a day by the river for BBQs, games, chilling out and family fun. Everyone is welcome whether a member of DA or not. Contact the Depression Alliance or me for further details. Let’s make it a day to remember and kick off an annual event.

As my psychologist keeps telling me; ” The best cure for depression is how you live your life”

He’s absolutely right. So bring on the fun and games.

 

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