Launching Tuesday 9th September, 10:00 – 12:00
Meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.
Group Facilitator, Katie
What inspired you to start your group? – I started this group after my own difficult search for the mental well-being support I needed following the birth of my second child. I was looking for a safe space to talk honestly and regain some balance, but I couldn’t find it. My experience was a mix of circumstances that shook the ground beneath me – leaving me isolated, physically depleted, and struggling with a sense of identity that felt completely fractured. My recovery led me to complete an MSc in Psychology and volunteer on the PANDAS helpline, where I have been supporting parents for nearly three years.
What does the building look like? How will I know I’m in the right place? – The Pandas Chiswick group sits in a peaceful corner of West London, surrounded by beautiful green space. Right on the doorstep are Dukes Meadows, a playground, and in summer, a splash pool. You can take gorgeous river walks in either direction, watching rowing boats glide by, spotting herons, and – if you’re lucky – the occasional seal. The Duck & Ball is a bar & kitchen owned and run by the lovely Leonora and Jim, on the grounds of Chiswick cricket club. Approaching the venue, you will see the pub signage and a PANDAS Foundation poster on the fence by the open gate. Entering the car park, you will see a Pandas Foundation roller banner and an overhead ‘Entrance’ sign. If you’re arriving around 10, I will also be outside to welcome you.
Is there parking or public transport nearby? – There is a spacious free carpark on site, or the 190, 533 and E3 bus stop is a five-minute walk away. There is a short distance to walk down the main road, then turn off to the much quieter Riverside Drive, where you will see a wooden sign by the side of the road that reads ‘Welcome to Dukes Meadows’. As you walk alongside the allotments on your left, you will find the venue on your right.
Any doors, buttons, or steps I should know about? – The venue is step-free and easily accessible with a buggy along the outdoor terrace, enter through the white doors (possibly closed just to conserve heat in the winter). There is no buzzer to access.
Where can buggies be left? Are there toilets/changing facilities? – There is plenty of space for buggies inside, or if you choose to, there is a safe covered terrace to leave them outside. There are separate female and male toilets, with baby change facilities in a separate disabled toilet.
What’s the atmosphere like when I walk in? What should I do when I arrive? – The atmosphere when you walk in is calm and easy. I’ll welcome you in, show you where to sign in, invite you to make yourself comfortable and offer tea or coffee (we have herbal and decaf tea but not decaf coffee). The Pandas Chiswick group sits in a peaceful corner of West London, surrounded by beautiful green space. Right on the doorstep are Dukes Meadows, a playground, and in summer, a splash pool. You can take gorgeous river walks in either direction, watching rowing boats glide by, spotting herons, and – if you’re lucky – the occasional seal. Chiswick House and Grounds are a 10-minute stroll away, complete with a lovely café for lunch. And The Duck & Ball itself has a charming outdoor terrace looking out over the cricket grounds. If you like a bit of breathing space and nature, this is for you.
