Your first visit

We are proud providers of a safe and welcoming space for anyone who needs us. It is a big step for someone to connect with others and seek support or help, and this section tells you more about what happens when you visit us at the bungalow.

Booking

As you might have seen on our ‘What’s on offer’ page, the main sessions are varied so please visit us at one of those either on your own or with someone who supports you.

You can also call, email or message us beforehand to let us know you’ll be visiting. All our contact details are here.

Visit the bungalow

Everyone is greeted at the door with a big smile and of course the offer of a cuppa – or a soft drink – as it is really important to us that you feel welcome. One of our team will:

introduce you to volunteers and service users
show you around our peaceful and therapeutic outdoor spaces
show you our dedicated space where paid-for services such as yoga and meditation are run
have an informal chat with you, to see if what we offer and what you’ve seen is right for you.

As a charity focused on suicide prevention, supporting people’s mental health, and tackling loneliness and isolation, we know every person’s situation is unique. We listen to you without judgement or any expectations placed on you in this initial chat; the outcome might be that we agree the Butterfly Effect is right for you, or we’ll instead signpost you to services to support you with specific needs.

Attend your sessions

If you do become a regular service user, all you have to do when you arrive at the bungalow for each session is:

use our ‘Ring’ doorbell at the gate which has a camera so we can see you and tell us your name when the doorbell is answered. This helps us with security
sign in so that we know how many people are using the bungalow, and in case we have to evacuate the building
make a small donation if you have the means to. Donations help with all aspects of running the charity from heating and electricity to providing time and resources which help you.

Creating a safe space

Respect, safeguarding and care for one another is a key focus at the bungalow. Every new service user signs a policy which covers health and safety, behaviours and using the bungalow. We have service users from all communities, and we encourage people to mix and learn from one another’s experiences. We discourage contentious topics around the table such as politics and faith, and we will speak with any service users whose behaviours or actions are cause for concern. We do have the right to stop people from using the Butterfly Effect if their behaviour is unacceptable.

What our service users say about Butterfly Effect Wellbeing

I joined the Butterfly Centre – recommended by a social prescriber – feeling very low. I arrived on a Friday, not knowing what to expect. I was welcomed by a member of staff. I met with another service user called ‘J’. I was made to feel welcome. I decided I was going to return regularly. I met a lot of people that I could interact with and made some friends along the way. As time went on I was beginning to feel better week by week. I feel as this place has helped me immensely. I started to enjoy life again. I wouldn’t have known where I would have been had I not made the move to come here. The staff have been very good for me over the months. Eventually I became a volunteer at Butterfly and finally into paid employment (another company). The volunteering has made me look at people in a different way and understand the help that people need. Which is what Butterfly is all about. I would like to thank all the staff for all their help to me over recent months.

I joined the Butterfly Effect in October 2024 when I had a resurgence of anxiety and depression which had been exacerbated by my employment at the time. I have had periods of the previously and was recommended here by a friend who used services when the groups were at Paringdon. I was most thankful for the lovely volunteer and welcoming atmosphere here, as having been in full time employment it was relief to ab able to have like minded people to socialise with during what seemed, at the time, to be really long days, having had to be signed of sick from work. The volunteers not only made Butterfly Effect extremely welcoming, they were also available to talk with one to one when I was more distressed. The members of the group were also friendly and good to talk with but also understood if you just wanted to sit and just be in company. I am now in a much better place mentally, that is thanks in part to this fantastic organisation. Am now actively looking for part-time work and still hope to come in when I can, as it is comforting to know that this network is available.

I joined the Butterfly Effect club in February last year. I can honestly say it was the best thing I’ve ever done. The ladies are so lovely. Welcoming and very very helpful. I’m so grateful I joined and every week we have a really good laugh. Playing scrabble and cards is so much fun. If every you feel down there is always a lovely volunteer to help and to listen to you. Nobody judges anyone who attends and everyone gets on well. I have made a lot of friends at the club and always look forward to going on a Tuesday. So I would like to finish with a massive THANK YOU to you all. I always leave with a smile on my face. Long maty the Butterfly Club continue.

When I lost my wife I had to change my lifestyle. This included joining the Butterfly Effect group. The staff are well trained and so caring. They make me feel so better than I really am. You can play games and there is much fun to be had. I am not needy now but continue to attend. I try to help those not as fortunate as myself and think I am paying them back. A kind word means so much

I was suffering from anxiety and Butterfly’s was recommended to me by my doctor. I was made very welcome. The staff are lovely and very caring and thoughtful. Can’t do enough for me. Without Butterfly’s I don’t know what I would have done. I feel so much better and look forward to coming. So many people need this place. We need to keep it open.

Take the first step

Whatever the reason you have, to connect with the Butterfly Effect, our service users tell us they’ve enjoyed meeting new people and making connections. Some people come with friends, some play games or do mindful activities like craft and colouring, some chat, and some enjoy the outdoors space. And importantly, we keep the tea and coffee flowing and support everyone who comes through the doors!