In 2020 County Durham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) provided funding to deliver a new project, Happiness Hubs (previously called Safe Haven), managed by Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP).
The fund provides grants to support local community providers in County Durham and Darlington to launch or extend current project opening hours that address non-crisis mental health support to adults aged 18+, by providing spaces that can be accessed by local communities. This funding is part of the wider Community Crisis Care Transformation Fund.
PCP are proud to say the distribution of Happiness Hub funds over the last year has helped a wide range of people, and will continue further with an extended three year contract. To find out more information about Happiness Hubs funding, please email Jane Cunningham, Development Officer at jane.cunningham@pcp.uk.net
To celebrate recent success, PCP want to share some of the many positive outcomes from Happiness Hubs.
Vicky Bailey attended the first block of 'My Mammy Twinkles-Clart About' group after experiencing postnatal anxiety, heightened by lockdown.
“After the birth of my third child I was suffering with anxiety and OCD which was amplified as I felt socially isolated especially during lockdown. The sessions have given me confidence that I am enough and have gave me some good relaxation techniques that help me when I am feeling my worries rise. Set in a friendly, warm atmosphere I really enjoyed the sessions and they have really helped me and my mental health as well as giving a safe place for my Baby to explore.”
Live Well North East have three sessions per week to support men: men’s fitness, empower hour and chill and chat. Fitness sessions are being regularly attended and is having a great positive impact on attendees. Chill and chat has been accessed by individuals finding mental health challenging. Within this session the individuals have been able to speak to a mental health first aider/peer mentor and receive signposting where needed. Happiness Hubs funding has enabled attendees to focus on all different aspects of their wellbeing, which many didn't do before.
Happiness Hubs have also been working with Man Health to provide safe spaces in the local area. Hear from David & Lewis whom both attend sessions in Newton Aycliffe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jK2aqFHc56I