Join us
Our membership is free and open to any adult in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough
Why should I become a member?
Our membership gives you access to our community and you need to become a member to access most of our groups and activities. You’ll be able to get mental health support for as long as you need it, connect with others who have similar struggles and learn about and try techniques that may help you live the life you want. It also lets you get involved in the running of the charity if you want to.
Before you join us…
We encourage anyone interested to come along to try one of our groups before applying. If you would like to arrange to attend a group, please give us a call or come along to one of our drop-ins.
Our next drop-in sessions
We host weekly drop-in sessions in Ely. Alternatively, you can contact us to drop-in to any of our other groups.
How to get your application pack
Please carefully read our full application pack. If you have any questions or need any support completing the forms, please contact us.
Membership FAQs
What happens at an application meeting?
I don’t like talking to people I don’t know. What groups would be suitable for me to attend?
No-one will make you chat if you don’t want to. Art, craft, resilience and mindfulness-type groups are all friendly, but are probably the easiest if you don’t want to talk to other people. There’s also no pressure to chat at social hubs and drop-ins, but they do tend to be a bit noisier.
If I come along to a social hub or drop-in, will I feel left out because I don’t know anyone?
We will try our hardest to make you feel welcome and introduce you to others as and when you feel comfortable. Some people like to sit around while having a cuppa and others find it easier to join in with a card game or two (you don’t need to have previously played card games to join in). We are all here for the same reason.
I’m too scared/worried to come along to a group for the first time. Can you help me?
Some people find it helpful to bring a friend or support worker with them when they first come along. Or, let us know that you’re worried beforehand and we can meet you outside, for example. If you find groups easier when you have arrived first, just let us know. If you let the person at the door know that it’s the first time you’ve attended a Lifecraft group, they will give you extra support if you need it.
Will other people in the groups expect me to talk about my struggles?
I find noisy places difficult. Are some groups quieter than others?
Our art sessions are usually the quietest of our groups, but people are still free to talk amongst themselves. Resilience group is facilitated and limited to one person speaking at a time, which also means it is fairly quiet and you don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to. Even social hubs can be quiet, but there is no guarantee because it depends how many people turn up on the day.
I’ve struggled with my mental health all my life. Can Lifecraft really help?
Will it all be younger/older people?
Will I be the odd one out? Will I fit in?
“I’ve never been a group person and, in fact, I would actively avoid them. However, it’s turned out to be a lifeline for me – I’ve actually made friends who I look forward to seeing every week.”
Joanne
Any questions?
- Tao(she/her)
- Membership Support Worker
- 01223 566957
- membership@lifecraft.org.uk