Support for families across West Cumbria has got on the road.
Work is due to start soon to refurbish the former Halifax branch on Whitehaven’s King Street into Hope Haven, a 24/7 wellbeing hub. It is expected to open later this year.
In the meantime, drop-in wellbeing workshops will be held at the town’s Senhouse Centre and a roving ‘wheels of wellness’ van are starting to offer support.
Jessie Hope, a mental health nurse and one of the staff who will be leading the workshops, said: “Together, we’ll explore ways to look after your mental health.
“You don’t have to speak or share if you don’t want to. But there will be activities and chances to reflect on what we talk about during the workshops.”
Hollie Edmondson, a social worker who will also be facilitating workshops, added: “You’ll definitely come away with new knowledge and skills to look after your wellbeing.
“You can attend whichever sessions you like – join us for one, a few, or the whole course, it’s up to you.”
Six sessions are planned throughout March and April. Each session will run at The Senhouse Centre, CA28 7E, from 10am – midday:
- March 12 – All about you
- March 19 – Living well with difficult thoughts and feelings
- March 26 – Feeling good
- April 2 – Relaxation and recovery
- April 23 – Creative you
- April 30 – Looking after you
The workshops are free, and people can just drop in – there’s no need to book.
David Storm, associate director for access and community services at CNTW NHS Trust, a partner of the Hope Haven project), said: “These sessions are based on ones we’re already offering in Carlisle, Penrith and Workington.
“Those have had some fantastic feedback. People tell us that they feel really comfortable, safe and welcomed. We’ve heard that the advice given has seriously improved people’s mental health.”
iCan Wellbeing Group CIO, another Hope Haven partner, is also bringing their much-loved Wheels of Wellness to more locations around West Cumbria soon.
This exercise and wellbeing pop-up will be visiting Seascale, Egremont, and more. They offer a fun new way to get your blood pumping, by having a go at ‘rebounding’ on mini trampolines.
There will also be some local walks and walking football. To find out when they’ll be near you, follow Hope Haven on Facebook.
David added: “This is just the very start of the wellbeing support we’ll be starting to offer, not only in Whitehaven but around the whole Copeland area.
“People will start to see us popping up in more places over the next few months. Look out for our distinctive green and purple Hope Haven birds, based on the wonderful guillemots at St Bees Head!”
Several local organisations are working closely together to provide support at Hope Haven, including iCan Wellbeing Group CIO; The WELL Communities CIC; Whitehaven Community Trust; Cumbria Health; Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW); Everyturn Mental Health; and Home Group.
