Charity’s welcome boost thanks to funding

BestLife, a new charitable organisation based in Broughton Astley, has been able to provide additional services after it received just under £1,000 through the Staying Healthy Community grant scheme, which is provided by Harborough District Council and Public Health at Leicestershire County Council.

BestLife provides free social and emotional support for people who have long term health conditions that significantly affect their quality of life. It also offers a range of complementary therapies – including reflexology, lndian head massage, aromatherapy, massage, Reiki and relaxation – administered by skilled volunteer therapists.

The therapies aim to help reduce stress, tension, sleeplessness, anxiety and depression, and promote relaxation.

Thanks to the Council funding, BestLife has been able to provide five-week workshops entitled  'Introductory to Mindfulness' 'An Introduction to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction' and focused on enhancing mental wellbeing and improving quality of life.

Audrey Larkins, from BestLIfe, said: “The funding enabled us to offer the workshops for free which opened up opportunities to those on low incomes or benefits and allowed them to attend. We’re based in the local community which helps people with restricted mobility and those who struggle with major anxiety or panic disorders who could be put off travelling to a city centre.”

A Harborough District Council spokesman said: “We’re delighted the council has been able to provide funding to enhance the already excellent service which this charity offers and help it build on the good work it does in the community.”

The charity offers drop-in sessions on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 10am to 12.30pm at Broughton Astley Village Hall and on the second Tuesday of each month in the Wycliffe Rooms, Lutterworth, both from 10am to 12.30pm.

To date, it has helped people with multiple sclerosis, arthritis, various autoimmune conditions, stroke, heart conditions, cancer and mental health conditions. People can come for refreshments, chat and enjoy a complementary therapy treatment if they wish.

 

Pictured: (l to r) Melanie Rayner, Ken Larkins, Lynn Jackson, Audrey Larkins, and Alice Joyner - all from BestLife.