Huntly wellbeing charity launches new premises
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A CROWD gathered to witness the ribbon cutting ceremony of the new Network of Wellbeing centre in Huntly's West Park Street this week.
Members of staff, community supporters, volunteers and council officials were piped in to the new premises on Monday for a double celebration party due to the charity also celebrating its 30th year.
In her speech ahead of the cutting, Sandra Brantingham, chairwoman of the NoW board, said: "It has taken us five years to get here, but through hard work, we have made it. We hope this will be a sanctuary for those who need it, people who are finding some area of their life difficult."
Judy Whyte, Provost of Aberdeenshire, stood by Sandra's side, ready to declare the facility open. She said: "Our physical health is just as important as our emotional and mental wellbeing. Charities such as Networks of Wellbeing are so important to communities, especially at times of crisis, and I encourage anyone to come here for a chat and find out what support is available. I wish the charity all the best in their new premises as they continue their invaluable work."
Once the formalities were completed, volunteer Fiona MacLennan bravely stepped forward in front of the crowd to thank service manager Fiona Alderson on behalf of everyone.
She said: "Fiona prefers to be out of the limelight but without her none of this would have happened, so we need to all thank her. Without the whole team it wouldn't have happened."
Speaking to the Huntly Express, Fiona added: "Before I came to peer support here, I could barely leave the house. I had anxiety attacks and wouldn't go anywhere.
"I came to the Chilling Women group at Networks of Wellbeing and was welcomed in straight away with no judgment. It felt great.
"I slowly began to volunteer to facilitate the groups I attended, helping with things like teas and coffees and now I'm heavily involved."
Fiona is part of a team of peers including George Hendry, Albert Booth and Ronnie Robertson who have played a huge part in clearing the grounds of the charity's new location.
George said: "We have removed hundreds of bags of leaves from the grounds so the car park and patio are now uncovered. It has been a lot of work and this team has put in so much effort.
"Before I came to Networks of Wellbeing I would barely say a word to anyone. I had no confidence at all. Now I feel so different. I come to peer support every week, just to chat to the others. We listen, we offer support and advice on things people are struggling with. It's so helpful and supportive. It's changed my life."
Fiona added: "I can see a huge difference in myself and the rest of the peers team. Seeing what we've achieved together and playing our part to make a difference has been amazing. We are part of a supportive community."
As well as peer support groups, Networks of Wellbeing offers one to one person centred support – as well as providing a wide range of opportunities designed to bring individuals, groups and the wider community together to engage in activities and projects aimed at increasing happiness, resilience and physical and mental wellbeing.
Groups include: Chilling Women; relaxation; counselling; Silver Singers; dementia support; jogging; mindfulness; Menopause Cafe; a monthly tea party (monthly); and veterans breakfasts.
The staff team of community wellbeing workers at NoW includes Lara Bestwick, Fi Thomson, Graeme Gauld and Miriam Paterson.
Miriam, who focuses on adult peers support and young people who are waiting for – and going through – counselling, said: "We're so excited to be in this new building. One of the biggest benefits is being in the heart of the community now, instead of the industrial site. We have lovely quiet rooms to offer people to come and talk.
"We are closer to the schools which will benefit our work with young people. That's something I'm really hoping to develop further."
She added: "I've really missed drop-ins, which were obviously affected by the pandemic. I'm really looking forward to opening our doors to everyone, especially here at the new site."
Service manager Fiona Alderson said: "I am delighted that we are in our new home and the feedback from visitors throughout the day yesterday was all about how open, light, warm and welcoming a space it is. That is exactly what I was hoping for – a space where people feel welcome and safe.
"This building, as it is now after the refurbishment, is exactly what we wanted. I have been careful throughout the refurbishment to use as many local businesses as possible since I believe it is important to support our local community."
Aberdeenshire Council leader Mark Findlater, who attended the opening, commented: "The council is pleased to support Networks of Wellbeing and the important work they do for their community. I wish them luck in this new chapter. All power to them."
