🐾 Sampson is a winner! 🏆
Sampson, our much-loved honorary therapy dog, entered the dog show at the Woolton Hill and Highclere Village Market and came home a winner!
He proudly won first prize in the Waggiest Tail competition — an award we think is very well deserved! 🥇🐶
Sampson is a much-loved part of the Eight Bells family and brings plenty of smiles, comfort and cuddles to our members whenever he visits. ❤️
Well done, Sampson! We’re so proud of you and delighted that your wonderful waggy tail has received the recognition it deserves! 🐕🎉
Celebrating World Mental Health Day with Coffee, Cake and Conversation ☕🍰
On 10 October, we celebrated World Mental Health Day by hosting a lovely coffee morning at Newbury Town Hall.
It was a wonderful opportunity to bring people together, enjoy some friendly conversation, and raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing. And, of course, we had some amazing cakes! There were plenty of delicious treats to enjoy alongside a good cup of coffee and some great company.
The morning was about more than just coffee and cake. It was a chance to connect with others, take a little time out of our busy lives, and remind ourselves how important it is to look after our mental health. Sometimes, simply sitting down for a chat and sharing a smile can make a real difference.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the morning so enjoyable. We loved bringing everyone together to mark such an important day and celebrate the power of connection, kindness and conversation.
Because sometimes, a cup of coffee, a slice of cake and a friendly chat can mean so much!
#WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #CoffeeMorning #Newbury #Wellbeing
Eight Bells members celebrate LAMDA Shakespeare exam success!
Two members of Eight Bells for Mental Health are celebrating achieving distinctions in their LAMDA Shakespeare examinations after discovering a passion for drama through a partnership with Rank & File Theatre.
Tom and Alex’s fantastic achievements were celebrated at the charity’s annual BBQ, where the Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Day, attended to present their certificates.
As a member-led charity, Eight Bells for Mental Health is committed to creating opportunities for members to shape activities that reflect their interests, talents and ambitions. In partnership with Rank & File Theatre, a drama taster session was held in December. The enthusiasm and enjoyment shown by participants led to the formation of a regular weekly drama group.
Through the sessions, members have developed their confidence, learned new skills and discovered the rewards of performing. Their first performance took place in the garden, as part of a support session for fellow Eight Bells members.
The group then went on to perform Shakespeare’s Rude Mechanicals to a full house at The Old Library in Newbury, as part of its first show. Their success demonstrates how creative opportunities, encouragement and high expectations can build confidence and empower people facing mental health challenges to achieve things they may never have thought possible.
Tom said: “Drama has been fun and is something I look forward to every week. Taking part in performances and doing the LAMDA exam has been challenging but very rewarding. Drama has improved my confidence and has given me a weekly boost to my wellbeing.”
Alex, from Eight Bells, said: “Rank & File Theatre has revolutionised Eight Bells and given our members a natural high. A huge thank you to the Corn Exchange for showcasing our work in progress. For those who missed it, fear not – we have only just begun.”
Supporting wellbeing through creativity
Eight Bells for Mental Health provides a drop-in support service for people across West Berkshire experiencing mental health challenges, loneliness and isolation. Open three days a week, the charity offers friendship, support and a listening ear to anyone who needs it.
The drama group was made possible through funding from Arts Council England and the Greenham Trust Community Wellbeing Fund.
Eight Bells receives no statutory funding and relies entirely on grants and the generosity of the local community to continue its vital work.
Tom and Alex’s achievements are a wonderful example of what can happen when people are given the opportunity, encouragement and support to explore their talents, build confidence and discover new possibilities.
Silver Award Success for Our Gardening Club!
We’re delighted to share that our member-led Gardening Club was represented at the Newbury in Bloom Awards, hosted by Newbury Town Council on 9th September, where we were proud to receive a Silver Award for our raised bed at Lock Island, adopted as part of the Secret Garden Project.
This year, our members took the lead in designing and planting the beds, with guidance from Sarah, who generously shared her knowledge, skills and passion for gardening with fellow members. It’s wonderful to see our members’ ideas, teamwork and creativity come together to create a space that everyone can enjoy.
Gardening is about so much more than growing plants. There is growing evidence of the positive impact that gardening and connecting with nature can have on our mental wellbeing. Spending time outdoors, learning new skills, nurturing plants and connecting with others can all help us feel happier and more connected.
We’re incredibly proud of our members and grateful to Sarah for supporting and encouraging others to grow in confidence and share their skills.
Congratulations to everyone involved in making our Lock Island garden bloom! 🌸🌱
Newbury MP Lee Dillon Visits Eight Bells Drop-In Session
We were delighted to welcome MP Lee Dillon to our busy Eight Bells drop-in session on Thursday, 3rd April 2025.
A huge thank you to Lee for making time in his busy schedule to visit us. He was given a very warm welcome by our members, staff, and trustees, and spent time chatting with as many people as possible, learning more about the work we do to support mental health in Newbury. He even joined our Chair of Trustees for a friendly game of archery!
Visits like this are so valuable. They help raise awareness of the importance of mental health support in West Berkshire and reassure our members they are seen and heard.
Poetry In Mind!
A gathering at FMH celebrated the publication of a Poetry Book written by members for the West Berks Poetry in Mind initiative. Copies of the book, showcasing our talented member’s work are available for reading at the Friends Meeting House.