Local Treasures Deborah Fitzpatrick - The Reach Out Project, Mycenae House

“I love Thursdays”

Most people in Blackheath know Mycenae House. Fewer know about the Reach Out Project that Deborah Fitzpatrick runs from inside it - and fewer still know quite how much it does.

The café at Mycenae House was busy when I arrived: people drifting in and out, staff calling across the counter, the low hum of a group getting started in the main hall. Deborah Fitzpatrick sat down opposite me and I asked her to walk me through a Thursday.

“I love Thursdays,” she said.

Debra Blundell, co-founder of Ginkgo, nominated Deborah: "I've known Deborah for a while now and what she does at Mycenae House is quite something. People come to Reach Out who've had nowhere else to turn, and she makes sure they're not just looked after - they're part of something. That's not easy to build."

The Reach Out Project launched at Mycenae House in 2017 with one aim: reduce social isolation and loneliness, and improve the wellbeing of local people. Every Thursday from 1-3pm, the doors open and anyone can walk in. Bingo, crafts, seated exercise, boccia (which is a bit like bowls), SOSA dance (a fun dance fitness class for everyone - no partner needed), dementia reminiscence sessions, digital support from volunteer Jon. Free or low cost, every time.

GPs, the NHS, and Time to Talk (an NHS talking therapist service) now signpost people directly. Nine years in, it’s no longer just a community group - for some people, it’s a route back.

Not the hero

When Deborah handed me her notes before we sat down, the first thing she’d written was this: she can’t claim to be the hero. I asked her to tell me about the people who are.

“We are incredibly fortunate. We have Pam, Sue, Ann and Rita, who volunteer week after week. Darren and Paul, two qualified personal trainers who give their skills for free. Jane, our craft instructor. Matt, who leads the podcast sessions. Roger, our bingo caller. And Jon, who helps people with their digital disasters.”

Paul Fosu runs his boccia and SOSA dance sessions from his own mobility scooter. Since joining Reach Out as a volunteer, he’s been accepted onto a sports coaching course sponsored by Nike. The project secured funding from Mencap to run inclusive sessions at Mycenae House for people with learning differences.

“He’s such an amazing person, and he often says that being part of the Reach Out Project has changed him.”

“Paul! Paul! Paul!”

I asked Deborah about one moment that stays with her. She stopped.

“Oh, I get all emotional - so silly after all these years.”

There’s a community member who has been coming to sessions for years. She wears her heart on her sleeve - she cries when she’s happy and cries when she’s sad. Every time she sees Paul Fosu, she raises her fist in the air and shouts his name.

“Paul! Paul! Paul!”

That’s one story. But Deborah describes the same pattern dozens of times over: someone who arrives at Reach Out isolated, lacking confidence, not knowing anyone. A few weeks later, they’re the one welcoming the next newcomer through the door.

“Seeing someone who once sat quietly on their own become an active part of the group - looking forward to each session, feeling that they belong - that’s what makes every session worthwhile.”

Funding, social media, and the Christmas party

I asked what most people would be surprised to learn about running a project like this.

“How involved it is. It’s building partnerships, organising projects, fundraising, social media - sourcing entertainers, finding volunteers, organising our annual Christmas party, developing new sessions. And we don’t have loads of money, but we always seem to be doing something valuable.”

I asked if the funding gap ever gets demoralising.

“I would love to get the whole project funded so we could do everything we wanted to and pay our volunteers. But I guess the satisfaction of achieving funding wins makes the difference even sweeter. It still amazes me - the kindness of people. They often seem to walk in offering their services right at the point when they are most needed.”

Before I left I asked Deborah who her own local treasures were. The answer came without hesitation.

“I could name so many. But really it’s the whole community here - the people who need our services, and our volunteers. They’re my heroes.”

“This has been a true team effort from the very beginning. The success of this project belongs to everyone who has contributed.”

The Reach Out Wellbeing Group meets every Thursday, 1-3pm, and everyone is welcome. Mycenae House is at 90 Mycenae Road, SE3 7SE. Find out more at mycenaehouse.co.uk or mycenaereachout.co.uk.

Kelly Powell

local marketing manager– Ginkgo Financial.