'CAMEO' Club - (Come And Meet Each Other)
Communication, caring, crafts
Activities, awareness
Meetings, motivation
Education, empathy, exercise, eating
Organisation, outings, ongoing friendships
The CAMEO Club is a support group for women living in the local community and was launched in February 1998. It aims to encourage women to support each other by sharing experiences, problems and success stories. Starting a new life is a huge step towards independence and though exciting, this can be overwhelmig, with emotional, practical and financial issues to be dealt with, often alongside lack of confidence and low self esteem.
Our Aims are:
-
to provide a friendly, informal service which encourages women to keep in touch with old friends and make new ones
-
to help to combat the feelings of isolation oftern experienced when women first leave the sheltered environment of the Refuge
-
to encourage women to offer support to each oher by sharing problems, experiences, and success stories.
The club meets every other Friday. A light lunch is provided and activities vary from organised talks and workshops to informal gatherings to relax and dicuss plans for future events. We always welcome comments and contributions from all who attend, especially the sharing of ideas and skills.
We are now able to provide a crèche for children under school age when required, thanks for funding from Derbyshire County Council. Trips arranged during the shcool holidays are planned with children in mind and we join with the Child and Family Support Workers and encourage residents in the refuge to join us.
A newsletter is published quarterly and is distributed to all members containing information of forthcoming events. Residents of the refuge are encouraged to j oin us and new members are always welcome.
Service Users' comments regarding the CAMEO Club
- "I find it helpful to talk to women who have had simialr experiences as myself".
- "I really enjoy the meetings and the outing, especially those that include the children".
- "Sometimes we are able to help one another. We all have something in common from day one".
- "Very enjoyable. An opportunity to have a go at different crafts. We have lots of fun and laughs".
- "It is so nice to meet people and make friends, especially when you live alone and neve see anyone".
- "I get a lot out of it".
