LIFEWAYS has donated £2,000 each to help two charities keep up with demand.
The Stratford-based a natural health charity made the donation to ROSA Support and New Hope Counselling Service after both charities saw a surge in the number of people coming to them for help.
ROSA Support provides support for counselling projects that help women, men and young people who have been sexually abused, while New Hope provides counselling services, especially for those unable to afford the costs of private therapy, including those dealing with problems of homelessness and addictions.
Lifeways manager James Pavitt said “We are committed to providing a friendly service that promotes good health and well-being through natural healing.
“Lifeways occasionally generates a surplus and when it does we like to aid organisations that offer invaluable support to people in the community. We feel that both ROSA and New Hope are delivering much needed assistance and their activities are generating positive impact in Stratford.”
Jan Randall, ROSA Support co-ordinator said: “Many survivors of sexual abuse feel they are to blame for their abuse; they carry guilt and shame which creates social and psychological barriers leaving them feeling extremely isolated and places them at a disadvantage for accessing help and support, education, employment, healthcare and social activities. Lifeways’ support will help us with counselling services to help those in most need.”
New Hope manager Lyn Smailes said: “Lifeways has offered us a beautiful base to work from in Stratford that has a wonderfully supportive and nurturing atmosphere. People in most need of counselling are often those least unable to afford it. This grant will help provide therapy for many in great need of help and also a time of refreshment and training for our hard working volunteer counsellors.”
Lifeways raises funds through letting its rooms to a range of professional self-employed natural therapists, counsellors and local organisations. Any surplus over running-costs generated is put aside for community and social projects chosen by its trustees.
Lifeways currently supports several charities who provide counselling and runs Lifeways Carer’s Café supporting people looking after a loved-one full-time. It has an acre of Community Garden open to all which has projects run by Springfield Mind, Turning Point and Mencap.
Visit www.lifewaystherapycentre.com for further details.
