Work is starting soon to refurbish and open Hope Haven, a 24/7 wellbeing hub in Whitehaven. In the meantime, drop-in wellbeing workshops and a roving ‘wheels of wellness’ van are starting to offer support.
Wellbeing drop-ins are starting at The Senhouse Centre while refurbishment of the old Halifax branch building on King Street – which will be Hope Haven’s permanent base – gets underway. It’s expected the Hope Haven will be ready to open later this year.
Wellbeing drop-ins launching in March
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:
- 12 March – All about you
- 19 March – Living well with difficult thoughts and feelings
- 26 March – Feeling good
- 2 April – Relaxation and recovery
- 23 April – Creative you
- 30 April – 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 (one of the partners on the Hope Haven project), explains, “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.”
‘Wheels of Wellness’ on the road around Copeland
iCan Wellbeing Group CIO, another of the Hope Haven partners, are 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 @hopehavencumbria.
David Storm adds, “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 CNTW, Cumbria Health; Everyturn Mental Health; Home Group; iCan Wellbeing Group CIO; The Well Communities CIC; and Whitehaven Community Trust.
You can keep up with the latest updates from the Hope Haven on Facebook @hopehavencumbria.