New centre supports wellbeing of local heroes

11:24am Wednesday 9th May 2007

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A new facility is being opened to support countless unsung helpers who dedicate their time and effort to serving their local communities.

The Wellbeing Centre, based at the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) in Chippenham, has been set up to give something back to those who give so freely to others.

A small group of complementary health practitioners is offering low-cost treatments, or therapies, to people involved in voluntary and community work, whether as volunteers, committee members or paid workers.

"We wanted to find a way of supporting people who often put others' needs before their own," said Karen Scott, who works as a practitioner at the centre.

"There was a room available at the CVS premises and we felt it would be the perfect space for complementary health practitioners to use at an affordable rent.

"This means we can pass the benefits onto voluntary and community groups in the way of affordable treatments."

At present the centre is offering homeopathy, emotional freedom technique and life coaching.

"We have several other therapists considering joining us and hope to offer additional treatments soon, such as reflexology, reiki and shiatsuî," added Jess Wilks, the centre's homeopath.

The Centre is being launched with a free open evening on Thursday, May 17, from 6.30 to 8.30 pm, at 3-4 New Road, Chippenham.

The theme of the open evening is Emotional Rescue in First Aid and Crisis Situations. There will be short talks, videos and demonstrations of homeopathy and a self-help technique for stress release, called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique).

Participants will also be given the opportunity for one-to-one discussions with practitioners. Light refreshments will be served.

To book your place at the launch, or find out more about the Wellbeing Centre, call Jess Wilks on 07712 797621 or Karen Scott on 07887 601844, visit the website www.wellbeing-centre.org.uk or email Karen@cvsnw.org.uk