Handshake Club
This club was first formed in the 1960's by representatives from local Churches, as it was felt desirable to offer some form of friendship to the many patients from the mental hospital cluster who were well enough to come into Epsom at weekends. The Club was held at 'The Larches' and when these premises were no longer available we used the old school building on the Corner of Hook Road (now offices). Over the years the numbers reduced quite drastically and we were then asked by the West Park Voluntary Services Co-ordinator if we would run the Canteen at West Park on one Saturday afternoon a month.
Following the closure of many wards and many residents being moved into Community Homes, our role shifted to a home for 8 ladies in Ashtead. We still go on a monthly basis and are always made welcome, and find that they are all much more self-reliant than previously. We still play 'Scrabble', do puzzles, etc - and they make tea for us! Most of our small rota of helpers are from St Joseph's.
The other 'arm' of the 'Handshake Club' meet on 2 Thursday evenings a month at 'The Cedars', for people who live in the community. We also have 4 members from the school for the Blind at Leatherhead, and a group from the Manor Hospital who have Downs Syndrome. Here we have helpers from several local Churches, also from Tadworth. Various games, etc are played, tea and biscuits provided, plenty of chat-time, and a raffle held. We fund-raise to provide a summer outing and a Christmas party.
We are a Registered Charity, the full name being 'Epsom League of Friends for Mental Health'. Contact number: 01372 724032