A DAY service that supports people with mental health conditions has taken its work online in an attempt to reduce social isolation.

Play Your Cards Right, bingo, karaoke, exercise and cookery sessions are just some of the ways Warrington Day Service is continuing to reach out to its 70 regular attenders.

The service, which is based on Allen Street and operated by Warrington-based national adult health and social care charity Making Space, closed its doors in line with government advice on social distancing.

But service manager Claire Jones says although shutting up shop is best for attendees' physical health, they are now more at risk than ever from isolation.

She said: "Many of our regulars live alone and coming to the centre gets them out the house, gives their day some structure and helps them to meet other people and make friends - all really important when you are living with a mental health condition.

"Obviously they can't do this face-to-face at the moment, so we have taken our service online and now have a full timetable of group activities, with something happening every day.

"We have already run quizzes, bingo and exercise sessions and are hoping to start a book club, language lessons and group cookery sessions really soon.

"Day centre members tell us that the sessions are the highlight of their day and we are enjoying running them as much as they are enjoying taking part. Some of the ideas are ours, and others, including a hilarious game of Play Your Cards Right and an impromptu karaoke singalong, are being led by our members."

Claire Haslam has been part of the day centre community on and off for many years and says it is a useful resource and means of support at times when she is unable to work due to poor mental health.

The 47-year-old is currently leading online Play Your Cards Right sessions for other members to enjoy.

She said: "Staff were asking for people to get involved and lead groups via Zoom.

"The Play Your Cards Right game is something that I have facilitated at work in the past with groups of people. I believe that anything you can do to distract yourself at the moment rather than feeding into the negative stories which are shared all over social media is important.

"The game is a good distraction which enables people to connect in these difficult times.

"These are tough times, but we are doing everything we can to support people in Warrington who are struggling with their mental health.

"One lady, who has a terminal illness, was keen to join our group sessions but had no means of getting online, so we have been able to donate a tablet."

On top of the online group activities, Claire and her staff team are still providing one-to-one mental health support on the phone, as well as assisting members with practical issues including registering as vulnerable, completing online shopping orders and learning how to use the online platform Zoom to take part in group sessions.

You can self refer to the Warrington Day Service by calling 07813 557874, emailing claire.jones@makingspace.co.uk or messaging their Facebook page Warrington Day Centre Making Space.