By Press Release
Ventnor Well-being Café has received a donation of £1,000 from Andrea Godsmark, whose parents live in the town.
Andrea, and her colleague, Debi Morse, run D&A Events and organise dog shows and equestrian events. They regularly raise money for Island charities and good causes and Andrea said: “I used to bring my mum to the Green Room, and I have been very impressed by the work that co-ordinator Terri Exposite does with this friendly and welcoming group.
“It is a local good cause that I’m happy to support.”
Ventnor Well-being Café has over 100 members, and has been run by Ventnor Town Council (VTC) since 2019. It was formerly part of Isle of Wight Council Mental Health Outreach, and was saved from closure by VTC. Over recent years it has flourished under the stewardship of co-ordinator, Terri Exposite.
Members help raise funds to pay for trips and for essential items. Trips have included the Donkey Sanctuary, IW Steam Railway, sailing and a ghost walk.
Popular activities include craft, bingo and, in good weather, working on the group allotment, putting and barbecues. The group meets four times each week, Monday and Wednesday from 10am to 2pm and on Tuesdays and Fridays from noon to 4pm, and provides members with a hot lunch on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The group has an open-door policy and there is no need for referral; anyone from the community is welcome to attend. The Well-being Cafe is based at the Green Room, VTC’s community centre in Dudley Road. For more information about the group contact, Tony McCarthy, at tony@ventnortowncouncil.org.uk.