Hub of Wishes

How it all began

Formerly Newton Aycliffe Mind, the charity went solo in October 2015 under their new name – The Hub of Wishes – which represents their values: Wellbeing, Information, Support, Health, Environmental and Skills.

Based in two converted houses in Silverdale Place, The Hub of Wishes (the Hub) attracts 30 people every weekday, who come to experience a warm and welcoming environment where they are supported through emotional distress, difficult times and mental health issues.

The Hub also offers support for people leaving hospital, to improve the likelihood of a good recovery and inclusion within the community.

Making a difference

The centre opens five days a week from 10am to 4pm, with a drop-in session run by hub staff Vicky and Joanne. Activities including bingo, walking club, lunch club, Tai Chi and art classes are available to all.

The Hub successfully applied for £10,000 of funding through County Durham Community Foundation from the NHS Health Improvement Fund to support the ‘Healthy Body, Healthy Mind’ project.

Funding enabled the Hub to stay open every Friday and to invite North East Dance to provide a weight management, fitness and healthy eating intervention for regulars.

People come from across the North East to be a part of the Hub, with one man making a 36-mile round trip to visit. He said: “It’s just like a family to me.”

The project even opens on Christmas day for a Christmas meal enjoyed by 22 people who might otherwise spend the day alone.

With thanks to you

Chris was going through a difficult time in his life when he came across the Hub seven years ago. He’d lost his family, his job and had nowhere to turn. Suffering from anxiety, Chris even felt worried when the postman came to his front door.

He approached the Hub who listened and made him feel welcome and they continued to work with Chris over the next few years. Today, he is employed again and volunteers at the Hub as their health and safety officer. He said: “If it wasn’t for the Hub of Wishes I wouldn’t be here now.”