Social and Skills Club: Strive and Thrive Together

Making Connections and Building Confidence

Abney & Baker's Social and Skills Club

Afternoon Bingo at the Social and Skills Club hosted by Abney and Baker at That Meeting Space in Melksham

At Abney

&

Baker,

we're

passionate about supporting our community beyond care. One way

we're

bringing people together and encouraging meaningful engagement is through our

Social and

Skills Club

–

a warm, welcoming space where individuals can connect, enjoy a hot cuppa, and have a bit of fun.

What is the Social and Skills Club?

The Social and

Skills Club is open to

anyone in the community

who wants to meet new people, share experiences, or try something new. Whether you're a client, a carer, or simply someone who enjoys socialising, this club is designed to offer a friendly and inclusive environment for everyone.

Our sessions include everything from light-hearted games and tea and chat to skills-sharing workshops and creative activities. It's a chance to engage with others, boost your confidence, and enjoy time in a supportive, relaxed setting.

In a time where third spaces are often found lacking in towns and villages, where there are not many opportunities for activities and clubs to help engage in community, our Social & Skills Club comes as a welcome addition to Melksham's thriving collective.

Jen, co-founder of The Social and Skills Club, alongside one of the members taking part in some bingo.

Later Life Enrichment Through Preventative Care: The Role of Our Social and Skills Club

At Abney & Baker, part of our mission is to support our clients in taking a more proactive, preventative approach to their care.

Rather than waiting for needs to arise, we believe in creating opportunities that promote wellbeing, connection, and purpose – all of which are vital to ageing well. Later life should not be seen as a stage of decline, but as a rich and fulfilling chapter, just like any other. Our Social and Skills Club embodies this preventative ethos. By fostering social interaction, lifelong learning, and active engagement, the club helps our

clients

and the wider community stay mentally, emotionally, and socially enriched – today and into the future. This is about laying the foundations now for greater independence, resilience, and joy in the years to come.

Voices Behind the Club

The Social

and

Skills Club was founded by

Paula

, one of Abney and Baker's passionate C

ommunity Support Managers

, who saw a need for something more than just care

—

a space for community, connection, and confidence.

"We wanted to offer something that wasn't just supportive, but genuinely enjoyable

—

a space where people feel seen, valued, and part of something,"

says Paula.

Reflecting on the club's impact, she adds,

"You can really feel the energy shift when everyone's together. People walk in as strangers and leave with smiles, friendships

—

and sometimes even a new skill or two. It's one of the most rewarding parts of my role."

Jen

, Co-F

ounder and Deputy Support Manager, also remarks,

'

It's a great opportunity to get the community together – it's been a great experience having to see people from all walks of life come together and enjoy the company they provide. It's a safe place above all else and we invite any and everyone to join, whether it's to help out or to just attend and enjoy the activities we plan.

'

Paula and Jen, Founder and Co-Founder of the Social and Skills Club.

Who is it for?

Everyone is welcome! The club particularly benefits:

Those who may feel isolated and want to reconnect socially

.

Family carers who need a break and some community connection

.

Anyone curious about what Abney and Baker do and looking for a gentle way to get involved

What can I expect?

There's always something going on every month at the Social

and

Skills Club – recently we had a Quiz and Natter where we gathered to take part in some

fun questions

and puzzles. It was a great experience, and

heart-warming to see our clients as well as some of the public

joining us

to take part, connect and engage in the activities.

If you're interested then feel free to pop in for the next event, Afternoon Bingo, which will take place on the

16

th

of July at 1.30 PM.

It's free to take part in and all proceeds or donations go directly back into the club to help fund itself and keep it going.

Read below for more information on location.

We're in the News!

We're proud that the

Melksham Independent

News

recently featured the Social

and

Skills Club, shining a spotlight on how we're helping to create stronger community ties and meaningful support. It's always great to be recognised for making a positive difference

,

and even better to see our participants enjoying the experience and sharing their stories.

Click here to read more

Join Us Every Month

The Social

and

Skills Club meets on the

third Wednesday of every month at 1:30 pm

, and each session has something a little different on offer. From craft activities to mini workshops and seasonal celebrations, there's always a reason to come along and join in.

Location:

That Meeting Space, 31 Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES

Time:

1:30 PM

When:

Every third Wednesday of the month

Want to find out more?

Whether you're thinking of coming along, bringing a loved one, or just curious about what we do, we'd love to hear from you. Give us a call, pop by for a chat, or follow us on social media to stay updated on what's coming next.

Follow Us on Facebook

We look forward to seeing you at our next club meeting! L

et's share stories, swap skills, and support each other, one Wednesday at a time.