The Bridge Club

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s Community Access Fund (CAF) has provided hundreds of first time sporting experiences for community groups this year, including a water wipeout session for eight former offenders being supported by the NHS East London Foundation Trust’s The Bridge Club.

The Bridge Club supports the rehabilitation into the community of patients in Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets who are, or have been, held under the mental health act in secure hospitals.

The hour long private session on the inflatable obstacle course on the lake at Lee Valley White Water Centre, funded by the Authority’s community grant funding scheme, provided much more than just a splash in the water. For most, it was the first time they had tried this activity.

“These group activities are all part of their rehabilitation. Our aim is to stop them from coming back to hospital,” explains Sophie Akehurst, People Participation Lead at East London Foundation Trust. “Being active is very good for them and this activity is not only great for physical health, but also helps with social skills, teamwork and making friendships. We provide a sort of professional family for the patients.”

For the last five years our CAF fund has enabled a group from The Bridge Club to try white water rafting, kayaking and inflatable obstacle courses at Lee Valley White Water Centre, that have all provided opportunities for patients to try new experiences, develop team building and social skills and improve their self esteem.

“The benefits are huge,” adds Sophie. “Everyone really enjoys it. They are generally trying something new and most of this group, who are all in their mid-life, have never experienced anything like the activities provided here before so it’s a challenge. These are people that society has rejected, so when they succeed, they feel good about themselves. It opens their minds to new things and is great for their self-esteem. “I can see an immediate impact from this activity. I’ve worked with one patient, Rob, for nine years, and I’ve never seem him laugh, until today.”

As he came out of the water, patient Astrit, who has been part of groups experiencing activities at Lee Valley White Water Centre thanks to CAF funding, said: “I feel happy. We’re trying something different. I enjoy coming here once a year and spending time with my friends.”

Majid, who was a patient who went through the rehabilitation programme and now uses his lived experience in his employed role as a peer support worker at East London Foundation Trust said: “We’re all part of this very special social group called The Bridge Club. We go on outings every three to four months. Trips like this provide opportunities to engage with service users. They boost their morale and have a positive effect. This particular activity really brightens their day. They are able to socialise with their peers and get to know new people. It provides structure to their week and is great for mental stimulation.”

This year Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s Community Access Fund and grant schemes are providing £120,000 in funding for community groups and schools across London, Essex and Hertfordshire. The schemes help make the park accessible to all communities, removing barriers of cost to travel or take part in an activity. Not for profit organisations, registered charities, voluntary, school and community groups are invited to get in touch and see how they could benefit. Find out more about Community Access Fund here.