Following months of work during the winter refurbishing
and fitting out, the Madrugada Support Centre in Praia da Luz is offering a
range of activities, classes and support groups for individuals who have been
diagnosed with a life limiting illness, their families and carers. Madrugada
President Alison Blair states: ‘We are now
offering our community a range of services including counselling, complimentary
therapies, support groups, creative and physical activities as well as
workshops and seminars.’
From Monday 24 March the Centre offers:-
Every 3rd Monday 11.00 Bereavement
Support Group
Every 4th Monday 11.00 Support Group for Carers
Every 2nd Monday 11.00 Dementia Discussion Group
Every 1st Monday 11.00 Support Group for Survivors of Life Limiting
Illness
Tuesdays 14.00-16.00 Complimentary Therapies
Wednesdays 10.30
– 12.30 Art Group
Every 1st and 3rd
Wednesday 14.00-16.00 Reiki Group
Thursdays 11.45
– 13.00 Yoga
The four support groups offer people the opportunity to meet others
with similar circumstances, enabling them to share experiences, knowledge,
thoughts and feelings. It’s not all
serious discussion; there’s a great opportunity to enjoy each other’s company
and many support groups evolve into social groups nurturing new and lasting
friendships.
1. Bereaved people who have lost
someone close may experience a number of emotions that feel overwhelming and
they may have difficulty in believing that their own life still has meaning.
Meeting and talking with other bereaved people can offer hope and a new sense
of purpose.
2.
People who care for someone
affected by a life limiting illness can benefit from an opportunity to share
how they themselves feel about a diagnosis, prognosis and constant care of a
loved one. It is sometimes difficult for carers to express how they really feel
because they don’t want to upset someone who is struggling with illness or
burden them with their own thoughts and feelings.
3.
The Dementia discussion group is
to help carers learn to live and cope with a loved one affected by any stage of
dementia. The group will support each other and discover how to take each day
as it comes enabling them to be the carer they want to be.
4.
People who have survived a life
limiting illness often continue to need support. Being discharged from hospital
care sometimes feels like being dismissed, released into a no-man’s land, being
neither well or unwell and full of concerns for the future.
The Art Group, led by Mo Miller (BA hons Fine
Art), will encourage creativity as a pastime. Several five week sessions will
run throughout the year with each week introducing a different project or
aspect of art. A small donation of €3.50 per session is required to cover the
cost of materials.
Complimentary Therapies - therapists will be
available every Tuesday afternoon to offer Reiki, Reflexology, Bowen Therapy or
Massage. Please call to arrange a treatment as places are limited each week.
Reiki Group - Depending upon the people attending there will be a short
explanation of Reiki – energy, healing and way of life. The afternoon will then
include: some chanting (matras or songs); personal work on chakras; energy
exercises; open discussion; meditation
Yoga – This will be a retrospective gentle yoga, about posture, breathing,
relaxation and meditation. Hatha Yoga will develop your strength and create a
feeling of well-being.
If you are struggling with
any aspect of care giving, survivorship or bereavement or would like to join
any of the activities provided in the Support Centre, please contact Madrugada
on 282761375