Lifeline cash helps keep circle group together
ADANCE group which helps people with mental health issues has been saved from closure thanks to a community grant.
The Circle Dancing Group acts as a form of therapy for people with mental health problems or learning difficulties and has a calming effect so people feel relaxed.
The Macclesfield group is run by Brazilian circle dance teacher and occupational therapist Ana Borges da Costa, who has taken classes since the group was set up more than a decade ago.
The group has been awarded £1,543 from the Cheshire Community Foundation, which means it will be able to continue to run classes every other Thursday at Elim Church in Macclesfield.
Sheila Wray, treasurer, said: “Circle dancing is said to relieve stress and have a calming effect so people feel relaxed at the end of a session.
“There are various choreographies, performed in circles or lines, and it’s an important social activity for members who make new friends.
“Without the donation we’d have stopped the classes because we couldn’t afford to carry on. The grant helps us with room hire and other costs.”
Cheshire Community Foundation has supported more than 520 projects since it was set up in early 2012, awarding a total of £1.8m to not-for-profit organisations such as charities, community groups and social enterprises.
Helen O’Donnell, chief executive, said: “We help inspire local philanthropy and invest money in grass roots organisations. We help people who want to give back to the places in which they live, connecting them to the local com- munity. Our role is help them invest in that community in an intelligent and impactful way.”
If you would like to join the group contact Ana on 07979 296057.
For more information about the Cheshire Community Foundation call 01606 330607 or email grants@cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk.