In the heart of Walton, to Southport’s bright shore,
The Life Rooms have opened so many doors.
A doorway of welcome, of learning, of care,
Where stories are shared and hope fills the air.
A decade of The Life Rooms, I’m proud to be part,
A hub of possibility, a place with heart.
Through my sessions I’ve made great friends,
It’s helped me see life through a positive lens.
What do you see when I say the word room?
Warm and welcoming, a place to help us bloom.
Guiding hands help me prepare for work’s pace,
Now confidence is written upon my face.
A place where my condition doesn’t define me,
To truly be part of a community.
My first Learning session was special to me,
Before I signed up, I had low self-belief.
Pathways Advisors help find the best route,
Pointing me in the direction that’s a good suit.
The Life Rooms offers the chance of a fresh start,
I can say this from the bottom of my heart.
From comedy sketches to rhythm and rhyme,
Being creative, a moment to shine.
A world of connection just waiting for you,
Make that first step, you know what to do.
In my community we’re given a voice,
Lifestyle support helps me make the healthier choice.
I'm empowered to improve my wellbeing,
Goals and inclusion give my journey real meaning.
So, here’s to ten years, and the many ahead,
For all who’ve walked through, for words yet unsaid.
Today, tomorrow, come what may,
We’ll open the door to a better day.
How the poem was created
Over a number of weeks, we held poem writing sessions on our timetables in Walton and Southport. A number of our service users took part to learn about how to write poetry, while looking back on their personal journeys, their experiences at The Life Rooms, and how our services have supported them. We used verses from each person's poem to create the final Ten years of The Life Rooms poem, and many of the service users involved featured in a video to perform it.
Watch our video: Ten years of The Life Rooms
Ten Years of the Life Rooms
Ten years of doors held open wide,
Where hope walks in and stays inside.
A place of learning, calm, and care—
A quiet strength found everywhere.
Here’s to the voices, brave and true,
To every small step seen through.
May the next ten years continue on,
A guiding light from dusk to dawn
By Alan Price
The Life Rooms has done wonders for me,
Before I came, I had low self-belief.
I don’t know where I’d be without this place,
I now have confidence written all over my face.
I have made such amazing friends,
I am full of the kind of love that mends.
The staff that work here they mean so much to me,
They make this place a truly special place to be.
I have met so many people who are so special to me,
They all make me feel so free.
I loved doing Scrapbook Club to reflect on memories,
It gives me something to look back on and share my treasuries.
The Life Rooms has opened my world,
So many opportunities have unfurled.
Looking forward to the week ahead,
Giving a reason to get out of bed.
Always time for a natter,
All are welcome, it doesn’t matter.
Something for everyone, learn new things,
Build your confidence, even get to sing.
Maybe art or drama is for you,
Then try it all for it to be true.
A safe space to escape the stress of life,
With lots of fun activities to relieve the strife.
Expanding your comfort zones, helping you grow,
Everything is possible, just give it a go.
Pathways advisors help find the correct route,
Pointing you in the direction that’s a best suit,
Life Rooms offers the chance of a fresh start,
I can state this personally from the bottom of my heart.
Ten years of life rooms, Walton is the beating heart,
A hub of purposeful activity where people all take part.
From table tennis, exercise and physical wellbeing,
when we come together it is oh so freeing!
Come through those doors and make some memories,
Just for a chat or to learn something new, it is sure to please.
There is always warmth and welcome here for you,
Make that first step, you know what to do!
Here’s to another 10 years of joy,
Learning at the Life Rooms Walton, we can all enjoy.
Come here to learn new skills and make friends,
Leave here full of joy and confidence, here until the end.
Such a safe place to be,
No matter how happy or sad things can be.
Full of courses to keep me well,
Creative and inspiring, no reason to dwell!
My life has been enriched by this place,
It’s transformed my confidence, my old self gone without a trace.
The staff here make me feel so cared for and so special,
I have transformed my life through this vessel.
The Philharmonic was an amazing opportunity,
To truly be a part of something, within a community.
A chance to engage with classical music and be so happy,
My condition no longer defines me, here I just can be me.
Enjoy every moment of Life Rooms, it makes things go well,
When the days go bad, I no longer dwell.
I can enjoy the things the things I love,
Like the white dove.
I count my many blessings,
And do not worry about the pressings.
I cherish the love that people give to me,
To be there until the end, I wish for it to be.
My good memories when I went on tree of life,
The tutor was so caring and very nice.
The jokes we had filled us with glee,
This was my first course, it was so special to me.
The Life Rooms has been a saving grace,
For many people a haven, a safe space.
I still remember my first time here,
I came alone and knew no one, but I soon learnt I had nothing to fear.
There are many groups from which you can chose,
It’s really not hard to find your muse.
The creative groups are what I prefer,
All coming together through music, through words.
Through these groups I’ve made great friends,
It’s helped me see life through a more positive lens.
The Life Rooms, oh what fun,
Whilst sitting on a chair with a cold bum.
The smell of coffee with a cup of tea,
Keeps memories of family for you and for me.
The Life Rooms, cosy way to flutter,
I wish there would be a little bit more butter.
The jam I taste, oh what a treat,
When my cold bum is sitting upon this seat!
From comedy sketches to rhythm and rhyme,
Music appreciation, a moment to shine!
The art for wellbeing, oh what bliss!
My open eye not to be missed.
The garden group, resilient and full of grace,
Sitting with friends in pride of place.
The windows of life full of colour,
Pink, green, gold it’s such a stunner.
The tree of life for you and for me,
When sitting in The Life Rooms with a cup of tea.