The Creative Living Centre (CLC) in north Manchester prides itself on two things, a good cuppa, and a person-centred approach to mental health. These two are more similar than you think; there’s no fixed way to have tea – with sugar, without, herbal, decaffeinated… And there’s no fixed way to manage mental health.
At CLC everyone can select the support that works for them, from the usual counselling and support groups to ‘Bike and Brew’ cycling (keeping that tea in there!), reflexology, and ‘Positivi-tea’ cafe meetups – just a few highlights in a timetable packed with fun and healing activities to improve mental health.
The ‘Bike and Brew’ group has proven to be the ‘wheel deal’ when it comes to connecting people. With bikes and helmets provided, it’s a chance to just turn up and ride.
“I have really enjoyed this cycling group. It helped me with my fitness and has helped with my confidence.”
Dave
The group is a fantastic way for people to get active in a safe space where they know everyone is welcome. By providing bikes and helmets for the session, CLC removes a massive barrier to taking part.
“I have learnt such a lot about myself, through the groups. I have more confidence in myself, and don’t have to worry about what people think of me. From the beginning, l could see for once, l had come to the right people. It was such a relief to know l was not the ‘only one’.”
Roz, who has been going to the Creative Living Centre for 2 years.
Support is available from CLC for as long as it is needed, which is yet another way they treat people as individuals and show that they fully believe that there is no one size fits all approach to managing mental health.
For more information on the services available, how to get support and how to get involved, please visit the CLC website.
Creative Living Centre took part in Media Trust’s Headlining Mental Health Programme, which helps small mental health charities to extend the power and reach of their communications, and is supported by Gamesys Foundation.
