Vulnerable helped with alternative therapies

The Leeds Wellbeing Centre, which will celebrate its first anniversary later this month, uses income generated from customers who pay for complementary therapies to provide sessions for adults who are unable to afford the therapies but who can benefit from them.

Long-term carers, people with mental health issues, asylum seekers, refugees and people struggling to manage a range of addictive behaviours have all benefited from the opportunity to step out of their own stressful routines and enjoy a relaxing therapy session.

Many of the people which the project has helped are homeless, have learning difficulties or mental health problems.

Helen Speight, support worker, St Anne's Community Services, said: "As a support worker, I have seen the therapeutic effects of treatments on offer atthe Leeds Wellbeing Centre. It has been uplifting to see service users calmer and more relaxed after experiencing treatments such as Indian Head massage. Also it has given people something good to look forward to.

"For individuals who have rarely experienced the healing power of human touch, it's invaluable. The staff are warm, professional and caring but the best thing is how this service helps to promote mental wellbeing: it's a very worthwhile resource indeed."

The project is run by the charity Multiple Choice and has recently been given an extension to continue the pilot for a further six months.

During the coming months the centre, which is based in Eastgate, will be trialing the delivery of outreach services.

It will take alternative therapies out into the community, to day and residential services, to enable adults who are less able to access the city centre services the chance to experience them.

The centre is planning to run a stand in The Light in Leeds on June 5.