The Mycenae Reach Out Project

Established 2017

Deborah Fitzpatrick, 

Community Project Outreach Manager

When Deborah joined Mycenae House in 2017 to run The Reach Out Project, her initial focus was on the wellbeing of the community's most vulnerable members. This led to the creation of the "Reach Out Wellbeing Weekly Thursday" group,  that has blossomed into a vibrant and very busy gathering of individuals. The group not only provides crucial weekly meet ups for some members, who might otherwise be isolated, but has also created long lasting supportive friendships. Many of our members having been attending for many years.  The Reach Out Project has since expanded its offerings, launching the broader Reach Out Project with an offer of weekly regular sessions and one-off events aimed at combatting loneliness within the local community. Through these efforts, we are actively "reaching out" to build a stronger and more connected community.  Annually we offer a Christmas Community Celebration with food and entertainment provided for free.

Nominations and Awards

The Reach Out Project has gained significant recognition for its impactful work in the community, earning nominations and awards that highlight its dedication and innovative approach. The project's dedication has been acknowledged with nominations for the Passionate People Awards with Marsh Commercial and the Best of Royal Borough of Greenwich Business Awards.  The Reach Out Project was a finalist in the Student Library Association Community Awards 2023, recognized for its community partnership with The John Roan secondary School. 

A prestigious moment in the life of The Reach Out Project saw Jennifer Allen (Librarian at The John Roan School) and Deborah Fitzpatrick (The Reach Out Manager), both receive The British Citizens Award Medals (BCAc) at The Palace of Westminster in 2024, a testament to their work in fostering intergenerational partnerships.

  The dedication of our Reach Out volunteers has been officially celebrated, as they were awarded      prestigious Civic awards by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. This recognition honors the  diverse        and invaluable contributions made by the team. The roles filled by dedicated volunteers who offer    help with your gadget and to gain digital skills, volunteer entertainers and fitness coaches who          ensure wellbeing remain central to our sessions.

Our Approach

The Reach Out programme supports those that are socially isolated and/or vulnerable and who may suffer poor physical and mental health and loneliness.  Our group welcomes a diverse array of individuals, creating a rich and supportive environment. We're proud to have members from all walks of life, including older adults seeking connection and activity, individuals with learning disabilities and those facing challenges with physical and mental health who find solace and understanding within our community. This blend of experiences fosters empathy, promotes inclusivity, and allows us to learn and grow together as we navigate life's complexities. We signpost to other partnership organisations who can give expert advice.

We try to connect those from hard to reach groups to get together and make friends and today we are one big family.  

Regular Reach Out Programme

(Sessions are frequently updated with new developments so keep an eye on new activities published.)

• Weekly Thursday meet up wellbeing group for those feeling lonely and isolated.
• Weekly Tuesday seated exercise session with Darren Holness and The Pointer School
• Weekly seated Sosa dance and boccia (learning disabilities) (funded by Mencap)
• Monthly Thursday seated exercise session with Darren Holness 
• Monthly Thursday crafts with Jane's Craft Corner
• Monthly Thursday seated sosa dance and boccia on with Paul Fosu
• Monthly Thursday bingo with Roger Minton 
• Weekly  Monday Carer’s Advice Hub with The Greenwich Carers Centre for Greenwich Carers
  
• Weekly  Thursday one to one support for problems with your Gadget with Jon our volunteer
• Weekly  Wednesday Chill n Chat with Reach Out Volunteers
• Monthly Mycenae Music chat with Phill - Music and chat about albums
• Ad hoc Friday music song/poetry sessions 
• Ad hoc Art sessions
  
• Ad hoc Monthly Hearing loss advice with Hearing Link (now ended)
• Ah hoc Dementia Advice with Greenwich Mindcare (now ended)
• Instrumental and singing sessions from a professional musician for those on low incomes
• General - Signposting, advice & information
• Ad Hoc podiatry sessions (now ended)
• Fully funded monthly massage sessions
• 6 week 'Identity' session with The Prince Phillip Maritime Collections Centre (now ended)
• Singing group for those with Learning Disabilities with Nightingale CIC (now disbanded)
• Reminiscence sessions for those living with Dementia and their supporters.
• Laughter club with Paul Fosu
• Games & Gabber supported by Occupational Therapists from Oxleas NHS Foundation

  Greenwich CMHRES

• Monthly Podcast sessions with Matthew Marsh, Legends & Legacies

Partnerships and collaboration

The Mycenae Reach Out Project establishes brand new partnerships with organisations and are keen to develop more. 

Partners we have worked with:- 

The John Roan School, The Pointer School, The Blackheath High School, The Royal Albert Hall (Albert’s Band), The Alzheimer’s Society, Crossroads Care, Nightingale CIC, South London Special League, GLL Get Active, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greenwich Music School, Home Instead (Bexley & Greenwich) Caremark Greenwich, Paul Clayton (Comfortably Digital CIC), Greenwich Time to Talk, The Greenwich Carers Centre, Greenwich Park Revealed Project, Rectory Court, Leah Lodge, Charlton Park, Puddington Lane and Morden College Care Homes, Bo-Peeps and Tudor Grange (kids into Care Homes), The Avenues Group (It Takes 2),  All Around Magic, Age UK (Men in Sheds), AGE UK Greenwich Befrienders,  Volunteer Greenwich Befriending, SELWAT, Good Food in Greenwich, The GoodGym in Greenwich, Nike O2, Barclays Bank, Simona from Bluebird Care,  The World Harmony Orchestra, Therapy 4 Healing, The University of Greenwich Big Band, The Prince Phillip Maritime Collections Centre, Ignition Music Tuition, Jane's Craft Corner, Janey Jones Crafts, The Irish Community Services, Dunelm Charlton, Crossroads Care, Kate Howden, Asda (Charlton), Paul Fosu (seated boccia and seated sosa), Darren Holness Personal Trainor, Jennifer Mckeowan (massage), 1st Excellent Care (Podiatrists), Glanect Entertainment,  Hearing Link,  Eleanor Meynell with Dementia singing sessions.  The European Reminiscence Network Art and Apprenticeship sessions (funded by The Greenwich Healthier Communities Fund). Matthew Marsh - Legends & Legacies, Stuart Grimshaw - Lift App, Kings College ,  Matthew Marsh, Legends & Legacies, NHS Oxleas Mental Health, Live Well Coaches, The Fraility Team (Age UK/NHS), NHS Community rehabilitation and Enablement Service Team at Oxleas NHS, The Community Health Hub (volunteer GP), Canterbury University & University of Greenwich Researchers

Funding into the future

Looking ahead we need to identify funding pots and to bid for applications to expand The Reach Out Project in helping our community.  Could you help us raise valuable funds?   We were grateful to receive some funds from The Gingko Financial, Forterra Community fund and KAD DLR towards our Christmas celebrations.  Thanks also to Mencap for funding inclusive dance and boccia, The Co-op Community Fund and RB Greenwich Healthier Communities funding.