Hobby Talk

Hobby Talk​

We are extremely proud to be hosting the mens talking group 'Hobby Talk' at the CDC COSY HUB. This runs fortnightly starting on the 2nd April. We look forward to developing a strong connection with this group so keep a look out for further updates.

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A snippet of Hobby Talk from the founder Wayne:

'A little bit on why I founded Hobby-Talk

 

I've had my share of problems, and still have battles and wars going on in my head which never end. 

 

More recently I was diagnosed with ASD as an adult, and you can imagine the impact this had on me. This along with a combat stress diagnosis is very difficult to manage at times as most people don't understand and are ignorant to both illnesses. 

I was really upset, felt like a reject, genetically different from everyone else, and left on the scrapheap. 

 

There was a time a few years ago when I didn't want to even be here anymore after a "car crash" of several very traumatic personal and professional events, whichleft me not being able to deal with the first one, mentally before the second, third, fourth and fifth one hit me. They were mainly because of things I'd seen and things I had to do in the job I loved but lost. 

 

This left me in a very dark place, and on my own. I was literally cut off from the people I knew and trusted, and disowned by my family all in one go, by events that were out of my control. I wanted it all to end as I couldn't mentally cope, and I very nearly acted upon this. 

 

I lost everything I'd worked towards and held dearly, my job, my home, contact with my little girl and my self respect and dignity all through no fault of my own. Life had really dealt me a bad hand of cards. 

 

I had no hobbies at the time, I strated to lived like a hermit and watched movies to escape the demons, who were constantly chipping and nagging away at me inside and tearing me apart mentally. I pushed the few people that I had left, that cared away, and thought this is my life now. I had no interest whatsoever in the outside world, or anyone in it. 

 

I had no help either as the MHU didn't care, appointment waiting times were upto two years. It seemed nobody cared.

 

Then one day out of the blue, a friend, one I had previously pushed away, saw what a dark and dangerous place I really was in. She said "Why don't you give archery a try? I'll take you"

 

A date was set and I went to a range, still with a heavy heart, sadness and full of anger. 

 

Although I was very anxious and didn't want to be around strangers, I had found archery, or had archery found me? 

 

All it took was a few kind words from total stranger to boost me through the clouds... 

"Wow, and you say you've never shot before mate? "

"Your a natural at this"

" You have the instinct to shoot well"

 

After a few more lessons, I was off to the archery shop with a small loan to buy my own bow and set myself up. It wasn't a cheap hobby but I had found a hobby, some say a hobby finds you. This hobby actually saved my life, alongside my new partner who has been a solid rock, and has stood by me. 

I felt good again, and started opening up to her. 

 

After all this I was just sat at home one evening and thought to myself, I wonder how many men out there with mental health issues would be interested in Archery? And I wonder what they do for a hobby? Or do they even have one? 

 

I talked about my idea with some local community champions, and they gave me the courage and confidence to follow my idea up, which was gathering pace. Endorsed by other local mental health champions, and the head of public health for Derbyshire.

My small idea grew and has grown beyond my wildest dreams now, it's also kept me going, because if I can save someone, just one person from that dark place I was in I will, this group will. 

 

I would like Hobby-talk to specialise in even more hobbies, to help get other men on that long road to recovery.

 

My point is, if you just get out for a couple of hours a week and do something you enjoy, a hobby, no matter how big or small with like minded men it will keep those demons who chip and nag at you at bay. 

 

It's not sexist to have a hobby group just for men, we all know a woman will support you 110%, but as men we won't talk to women, everything about us personally is taboo even though they would love us to talk about things.

 

 Doing something together, having a hobby,and a regular meeting we might even open up a bit more to each other. 

 

Hobby-Talk was born. 

 

Hobby-Talk has face to face meetings every two weeks, on a Wednesday evening 7PM to 930PM.

All men welcome ages 18 upwards. 

Lower ages can sometimes be considered depending upon circumstance, and maturity. 

Peer to peer support either online or in person, and signposting is also available. 

 

The format is a member volunteers at a meeting to talk about an explore their hobby the following meeting, then we all get involved, and try what that member has a passion for. Whoever volunteers is expected to do a short talk and introduction to their hobby, telling us all how they started, what got them interested, how long they've been doing it etc. 

There is support for anyone who struggles with any of this. 

 

I thought long and hard about how and why i wanted to structure it this way and the simple answer was to build confidence, and it actually works. This gives the members self esteem and starts to rebuild their confidence giving them a direction in their life to build upon.

 

The group helps build bridges between the taboo of mental health and talking about it divide. 

It also helps men understand that they are not on their own, people do care, there's other men with mental health illnesses and they can be signposted to the right agencies and places should they need to be. All whilst having a bit of fun and putting their problems on the back burner. 

 

Hobby-Talk has brought local men together in a safe space. It's like a family of close friends and a brotherhood rather than just aquaintences. 

 

I've put my heart, soul and time into this group, it hasn't been an easy task for me, but seeing the positive impact it has had on men who thought they were lost, and that nobody cared, and the positive change in character in them has been the most satisfying thing, as I have been there myself. '

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Compassionate Care

Our community counselling service, Compassionate Care, has experienced a wonderful beginning. After several months of operation, we are seeing an increase in the success rate among our clients. This positive trend is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team, who work tirelessly to support individuals on their paths to healing and growth. Our counsellors have implemented innovative therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, fostering an environment of trust and empathy.

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We are also grateful for the strong support from local organizations and volunteers, whose collaboration has been instrumental in expanding our reach and impact. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce more workshops and community events aimed at enhancing mental health awareness and resilience.

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As we continue to grow, we remain committed to our mission of providing accessible, compassionate care to all members of our community. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us, and we invite anyone in need of support to reach out and join our compassionate community.

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Tupton Foodbank

​​Tupton Foodbank became a part of the Community Development Chesterfield family late last year. Since joining our organization, we have accomplished a great deal together! Looking forward, we are excited to continue developing innovative programs and expanding our services to address the ever-evolving needs of our community. Our goal remains to ensure that no one goes hungry and that everyone has access to healthy and nutritious food. With the continued support of our volunteers, partners, and the community, we are confident that we can achieve even greater success in the coming years.​

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