Beeston Women’s Group

For women to come together with others who understand

These memory boxes have been produced collaboratively with Beeston Women’s Group who are regular users of the Centre. The Beeston Women’s Group is a weekly peer-support group for women facing mental health challenges. 

The group has been running for over thirty years. Activities include arts and crafts, talks from specialists, café meet-ups, and visits to local places of interest. At the heart of every meeting is a chance to share life’s highs and lows with a group of women who understand. 

“The first thing that struck me about Middle Street is how welcoming it It’s really got me thinking about the interesting conversations that we’ve been engaged in. People know about different projects, different routes, different information, that we’re exchanging whilst working. Although you’re starting off on one project, you’re actually pulled into so much more. I think about the things that were established 50 years ago, and we’re still holding out the same values. So, even though 50 years is a long time, the primary values that people are holding out for me are warmth, friendship, and acceptance.”

Bev, Centre user



“It’s nice that all the ladies understand what we’re going through, because that’s what our group is all about: those who suffer with depression and anxiety. A lot of time, our families don’t really understand because they never suffered with it. But being together with the ladies doesn’t matter what age you are, we can all talk and tell each other how we feel, and that’s what we do every session we have.”

Rosie, Centre user




“I think one of the really touching things about the project was the commitment of the ladies to actually be there. One lady, she said to me in the first session, that she’s not creative at all and just felt really anxious about it. And then she went away and practiced this quilling technique and came back with the box that she made. It’s beautiful.”

Lauren, Artist