Fran’s Week in Kind Mind Community
Here’s your behind-the-scenes look at a typical week in Kind Mind Community:
Monday
The team hot-desk at Big Local Jarrow – the team usually work from home, so a Monday is a great chance for us all to catch up, co-work and enjoy the occasional ‘Saveloy Dip’. Sometimes students or volunteers bring in tasty snacks too.
Whilst I’m processing attendances and enrolment forms, Joe Clough is facilitating and leading the Mindful Photography Walk – locations are all over South Tyneside.
https://kindmindcommunity.org/activities/mindful-photography/
After lunch, it’s time for the Carers’ Peer Support Group – Joe and I lead the friendly, supportive group which is aimed at carers of people with mental illness.
Tuesday
Usually an admin ‘at home’ day for me. This week I’m helping to organise training sessions for ‘Listening Ear Jarrow’, which is a joint venture between Even Better CIC (https://www.evenbetter.org.uk/) and Kind Mind Community.
The afternoon is taken up with e-mails and digital marketing (social media is a passion of mine).
Wednesday
Today is the Minchella’s Midweek Meet-Up; this time it’s Amy’s turn to host and a few people enjoy a cuppa and a chat in a relaxed setting.
Thursday
On Thursday, we go to ACTS to co-host a Wellbeing Group at their premises on Beach Road. It’s a really calm place to go and meet people, and the ACTS staff and volunteers are lovely too.
Back at our home offices, Angie and I are preparing the latest newsletter, which goes out to nearly 300 people. We’re always busy with new enquiries and website visits after we send out a newsletter. Angie and I also take time to have our weekly catch-up to discuss all things Kind Mind Community.
Friday
The best day of the week – and not because it’s the last day of the week either! We get to interact with so many people over the day, both in our courses and the popular Friday lunchtime drop-in.
Friday courses currently include Anxiety Management and Mindful Relaxation at Action Stations, whilst Big Local Jarrow is hosting Assertiveness and our 
flagship Peer Mentor course. Although these courses are full, you can note your expression of interest for the next round of courses just by contacting us.
The Drop-In is, once again, a welcoming space. Along with team members Angie, Amy, Hazel and I, we’re joined by our newest volunteer, Tia … we welcome along existing members of Kind Mind Community, people wanting to find out more about what we do, Peer Mentors & Professionals. It’s a great place to just pop in or stay for the whole 90 minutes if you wish.
All to soon it’s 4.30 pm and time to go home. But it’s not long ‘til Monday and I’m starting to wonder if Amy’s going to suggest a Saveloy Dip again!!
Did I say I love my job by the way? ?