What is Good Days Community Club?
Good Days Community Club is a welcoming day support service in Colchester for people living with a life-limiting illness, frailty or dementia. It offers a safe and supportive place to meet others, enjoy meaningful activities and receive support from our experienced St Helena Care & Support team.
The club helps people stay connected, active and involved in life. It also gives family members and carers valuable respite, with the reassurance that their loved one is supported by our experienced Care & Support team.
Attending Good Days Community Club offers opportunities to make new friends, enjoy meaningful activities and maintain independence. It helps people living with a life-limiting illness and older people stay connected with their local community in a safe and supportive environment.
Who can attend Good Days Community Club in Colchester?
Good Days Community Club is for people living with a life-limiting illness and older people who would benefit from social interaction, meaningful activities and companionship. We will discuss individual needs during registration to make sure the club can provide appropriate support.
Good Days Community Club gives family members and carers time to rest, attend appointments, see friends or simply enjoy time to themselves while the person they care for is supported by our experienced team.
Do I need a diagnosis or specific care needs to attend?
No, you do not need a diagnosis or specific care need to attend. Good Days Community Club is open to people living with life limiting illnesses and older people who would benefit from social interaction, activities and companionship. We will discuss individual needs during the registration process to ensure the club is right for you.
During registration, our team will complete a care plan and risk assessment with you so we understand your needs before your first session. If you can travel safely to and from the club, our trained Care & Support staff may be able to assist with personal care and medication during the session, subject to your individual assessment.
Can someone living with dementia attend Good Days Community Club?
Yes. We welcome enquiries from people living with dementia and their families.
A member of our team will discuss individual needs and complete an assessment to ensure we can provide the right level of support. Our aim is to create a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone attending.
If you're looking for dementia support in Colchester and would like to find out whether Good Days Community Club is suitable for your loved one, please get in touch with our team.
Do I need to live in Colchester to attend Good Days Community Club?
No. You do not need to live in Colchester to attend Good Days Community Club. We welcome enquiries from people in Colchester and the surrounding areas who would benefit from companionship, meaningful activities or carer respite. If you are unsure whether the club is suitable for your needs or location, please contact our St Helena Care & Support team before booking.
Where is Good Days Community Club in Colchester?
Good Days Community Club is held at the Joan Tompkins Centre, a separate building in the grounds of St Helena Hospice at Myland Hall in Colchester. The centre has an accessible entrance, its own toilet facilities and a peaceful interior overlooking the water. If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know before your first visit so we can arrange the right support for you.
Is there suitable access and parking?
The Joan Tompkins Centre has a ramped entrance and wide doorways. Free on-site parking is available, with a drop-off and pick-up area close to the entrance.
Is transport available?
You will need to arrange your own transport to and from the Joan Tompkins Centre. If transport may make it difficult for you to attend Good Days Community Club, please contact our team before booking. We can provide information about local transport options, although we cannot arrange transport on your behalf.
How many sessions can I attend?
Good Days Community Club sessions take place every Friday from 10am to 2pm and must be booked in advance. You can attend once, every two weeks or every week, depending on what works best for you.
Sessions can be booked individually or in blocks, depending on how often you would like to attend.
How much does Good Days Community Club cost?
Good Days Community Club sessions cost £50 per person. The price includes refreshments, a freshly prepared lunch, activities and support from our experienced St Helena Care & Support team. The community day service is run on a non-profit basis, with any surplus helping to fund the wider work of St Helena Hospice.
Customers who book and pay for four sessions together receive a 5% discount.
How do I book my sessions?
To book a Good Days Community Club session, complete the booking form above. If you would prefer to speak to someone first, complete our contact form and a member of our friendly team will get in touch. Alternatively, call St Helena Care & Support on 01206 646 822.
We are happy to answer any questions and help put your mind at ease. Whether you are enquiring for yourself or a loved one, we can talk through any individual needs or requirements and assist you with booking your place at the club.
How do I make payment?
You can pay by bank transfer, using Good Days Community Club as the payment reference. Alternatively, you can ask a member of the team to call you and take payment over the phone. Payment is due 48 hours before your planned session.
What happens during my first session?
It's perfectly normal to feel unsure about trying something new.
When you arrive, you will be welcomed by our friendly Care & Support Team and introduced to the club at a pace that feels comfortable for you. We will help you settle in, show you around and introduce you to other attendees if you would like us to.
A typical session may include refreshments, conversation, activities, entertainment and a freshly prepared hot lunch. You're welcome to join in as much or as little as you'd like.
There is no pressure to take part in activities. Some people enjoy getting involved straight away, while others prefer to spend time chatting, relaxing and getting to know the group first.
Our team will be on hand throughout the day to provide support, encouragement and reassurance whenever needed.
What support do we receive prior to the first session?
Before your first session, a member of our team will take the time to complete a friendly assessment with you. This helps us get to know you better, understand your individual needs, preferences, interests, and any support requirements you may have.
The assessment can take place in person or over the phone, depending on what feels most convenient and comfortable for you. It also gives you and your family an opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns and learn what to expect at Good Days Community Club.
By getting to know you before you attend, we can ensure that your experience is tailored to your needs and that you feel welcomed, comfortable, and supported from the very first day. Our aim is to make the transition as smooth and reassuring as possible, helping you settle in with confidence and enjoy everything the club has to offer.
Will food be included in the cost?
A freshly prepared hot meal is included in the session cost. It is prepared by a local restaurant and delivered fresh in time for lunch. We will discuss any dietary requirements with you during registration.
What kind of activities will be taking place?
Activities are shaped around people's interests and what attendees tell us they enjoy.
Sessions may include conversation, reminiscence activities, quizzes, crafts, games, music, visits from singers, guest speakers and seasonal activities.
Most importantly, there is no expectation to join in every activity. Whether you enjoy taking part or would simply like to come along for companionship, conversation and a warm lunch, you'll always be welcome.
What should I bring with me?
Please bring any medication you may need during the session, any mobility aids you use, and anything else that helps you feel comfortable. We will discuss any specific requirements during registration.
What is the capacity of each session?
Each Good Days Community Club session can accommodate up to 10 people. We provide an appropriate number of staff to support each person’s individual needs.
Can family members or carers stay during a session?
Family members and carers are welcome to discuss individual circumstances with our team. Our aim is to provide a safe, enjoyable environment where attendees can socialise independently while carers have some valuable respite time.
What happens if I need to cancel my booking?
If you need to cancel a session, please contact us as soon as possible. Our team will explain our cancellation policy when you book.
If you cancel with at least 48 hours' notice, there will be no charge. Unfortunately, cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice will be charged at the full session rate.
This policy helps us manage staffing levels, meal preparation and activity planning, ensuring we can continue to provide a high-quality service for all our members. Wherever possible, we will always try to support you if there are exceptional circumstances affecting your attendance.
Can I try a taster session before I join?
Yes. Good Days Community Club offers a free one-hour taster session, and you are welcome to bring a family member or carer. You can meet the team, see the venue and experience the atmosphere before deciding whether the club is right for you. Call St Helena Care & Support on 01206 646 822 to discuss available dates.
Can I attend if I'm feeling lonely or socially isolated?
Yes. Many people attend Good Days Community Club because they would like more opportunities to socialise, meet new people and enjoy meaningful activities in a welcoming environment.
Whether you live alone, have recently become less active, or simply miss regular social interaction, the club provides a friendly place to connect with others, enjoy companionship and feel part of a community.
Do I need regular care to attend?
No. You do not need to receive regular care services to attend Good Days Community Club.
Many people who attend are independent but would benefit from companionship, social interaction, activities and a regular weekly routine. Others may require some additional support during the day.
Our team will take the time to understand your individual circumstances and help determine whether the club is right for you.
What if I don't know anyone?
Many people attend their first session without knowing anyone else.
Our team are experienced in helping people feel welcome and comfortable. We'll help introduce you to other attendees and support you in settling into the group at your own pace.
Many friendships begin with a simple conversation over a cup of tea.
Why choose Good Days Community Club?
Good Days Community Club offers:
As part of St Helena Care & Support, any surplus generated helps support the wider work of St Helena Hospice within the local community.
How does St Helena Care & Support work with St Helena Hospice?
St Helena Care & Support is a private domiciliary care service owned by St Helena Hospice. Unlike many care providers, any surplus we generate is reinvested into the work of the hospice, helping to fund vital care and support services across our local community.
By choosing St Helena Care & Support, you are doing more than arranging high-quality care for yourself or a loved one. You are helping to ensure that local people facing incurable illness can access specialist care, emotional support and practical help when they need it most.
Every hour of care we provide contributes to the wider work of St Helena, supporting patients and families through some of life's most challenging times. This means that the care you receive not only benefits you and your family but also helps make a meaningful difference to others in our community.
As a local charity, St Helena is committed to providing compassionate, person-centred support. By choosing our services, you become part of a community that helps us continue offering comfort, dignity and specialist care to local people and their loved ones for years to come.
