A lotto help for holistic care centre
MP opens new town centre base
An East Kilbride charity has opened a new-look centre after receiving a lottery cash boost.
Agape Wellbeing, which provides holistic care, received £90,000 last year from the Big Lottery Fund to improve community-based activities for local people.
Agape provides a baby box and clothing scheme, ‘Knit and Natter’ clubs and men’s groups and have used the funds to re-open a cafe, wellbeing centre and shop in Cornwall Way, next to East Kilbride bus station.
There is also ‘Agape Kidz’ – a baby and children’s store.
Delighted general manager Heather Malloch said: “A recent Big Lottery grant enabled us to facilitate the move from the Plaza Tower to a more visible location in Cornwall Way.
“The wellbeing centre, which is open Wednesday to Friday from 11am to 3pm, offers the community a range of services focussed around promoting positive health and wellbeing.
“The charity works with young families offering baby massage classes, and a weekly parent advice drop-in service run by a registered health visitor.
“We also offer baby gift sets and a clothing voucher scheme to help financially support families on lower incomes.
“We offer massage sessions, a confidential active listening service and some group work sessions to support people.
“Our knit and natter group and our men’s group also meet weekly to encourage people to join in, have some fun, meet up with new people and help combat the loneliness and social isolation that so many people experience.
“All our services, which are run by passionate trained volunteers, are offered on a donation-only basis or for a low cost enabling everyone to access.
“Many are available without appointment, or can be booked through our Agape Kidz shop.”
East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow MP Dr Lisa Cameron assumed ribbon-cutting duties on the day.
“I am absolutely delighted to open this fantastic centre in East Kilbride,” she said. “Mental health is often overlooked but it is so vital to my constituents’ wellbeing and Agape meets this need.
“I understand that they will be liaising with local schools and having a focus on young people’s mental health, where early intervention is absolutely crucial to prevent worsening of symptoms.
“My commendations to Heather and her team, their work is vital to East Kilbride and they have my full ongoing support.”
Visit www.agapewellbeing.com to find out more about the charity.