The Hub of Wishes mental health charity based in Newton Aycliffe held its Annual General Meeting last week, which was well attended. Since moving into the current premises at 10-11 Silverdale House some years ago, we have grown. We operated four days a week, then obtained funding to open on a Friday and this year we again received the funding to continue this.

Our membership has steadily increased and this year we have had more day trips out which allows people who otherwise can’t get out to explore new places. We have worked with Bishop Auckland college offering a range of accredited courses including Introduction to Counselling, Food Hygiene, First Aid to name a few. Members gain much from the courses and this will continue. We have various daily activities and our health walks/exercise sessions on a Friday are proving very popular.

Our Evening Service is a new venture and operates every Wednesday evening from 6-9pm. We recognised the need for those who work days or have daytime commitments to be able to access help in the evening. We offer stress busting, confidence building, coping strategies, recovery plans, one-to-one’s emotional support and signposting to relevant organisations. Everyone is welcome – if you are interested please come along and chat to Vicki or Joanne to find out more.

Thanks to more coverage in the media mental health issues are being openly discussed but there is still more work to do regarding the stigma surrounding mental health.

At Hub of Wishes you will be among people who understand how it feels to be very low or going through difficult times; you will be accepted and supported, so don’t be afraid to come and speak to Vicki or Joanne. If you feel unsure about coming to the centre for the first time, it may help if you telephone and speak to one of them first.

If you would like to know more or are interested in becoming a volunteer or member, please contact Vicki Lawrence or Joanne Howe on 01325 300121. Email: thehubofwishes@gmail.com)

Check us out on www.thehubofwishes.co.uk, facebook and YouTube.