MENTAL WEALTH
Cross-generation holistic therapy
WHAT WE'RE FUNDRAISING FOR
Mental Wealth is a major three-year project bringing together and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of two usually unrelated groups of people from Lewes and surrounds. This crowdfund will contribute to funding the 3-year Mental Wealth project we hope to run! The groups:
- older people aged 65+ experiencing reduced mobility and challenges such as dementia, brain injury and memory loss, as well as arthritis, MND, MS, Parkinson’s and cancer, with many suffering the loneliness and isolation that come with such conditions, the aim being to improve their mobility and mental clarity, as well as their quality of life
- younger people aged 14–24 suffering from chronic stress and anxiety, including those who are neurodivergent, who would benefit from individualised mental health support
Mental Wealth will support these groups separately on a regular basis, to meet their separate needs, through such help as floatation therapy and mindful practices.
In addition, the groups will come together in shared activities, linking generations for healing together. Shared activities will include combined movement and wellbeing therapies; enabling the younger people to therapeutically support the older people; nature conservation activities and crafts in venues such as Southover Grange Gardens and the Railway Land nature reserve; and more. Support will also be offered to carers.
Thank you to Cllr Imogen Makepeace, Mayor of Lewes, for joining us for the Crowdfund launch and ribbon cutting.
Every donation counts! Your contributions will help us continue applying for additional funding and grants, making sure the project lasts as long as possible. Your generosity makes lasting community impact possible!
Helping Young People (aged 14-24)
It is well documented that young people today are facing more stress and anxiety than ever before, not least following the educational, family and society impacts of the pandemic and lockdowns, as well as other pressures felt more keenly than ever before.
Mental Wealth offers floatation therapy and mindful practices to help them manage these challenges. We’re also paying special attention to those with neurodivergent needs, providing them with the tools and community support they need to thrive.
Beyond therapy, we’re empowering young participants to get involved in their community through discussions, group sessions and events that build their confidence and sense of belonging.
And your kind donation can help us do this.
Supporting Older Adults (aged 65+)
Wellness for the Heart of the Community
For older adults, Mental Wealth offers both physical and mental health support, including help with mobility and dementia. Key activities include floatation therapy, mindful somatic support such as chair yoga, meditation, breathwork sessions and social activities. We’re also involving their carers in activities such as chair yoga and meditation, ensuring they also get the care they need. Our aim is to boost their quality of life, reduce isolation and help them regain a sense of purpose.
And your kind donation can help us do this.
Support wellness for all ages!
Help us bridge the gap between generations with holistic health care. Your donation will empower young people and older adults to connect, heal, and thrive together.
We’ve created several initiatives to bridge the gap between young people and elders, including intergenerational events and opportunities to contribute to the community. By bringing these age groups together, we’re not just addressing their immediate needs—we’re also building a stronger, more connected community.
Through Mental Wealth, older adults can share their experiences and wisdom with the younger generation, enriching their own lives and strengthening community bonds.
Supporting Carers and Guardians
We recognise the vital role carers and guardians play in supporting both young people and older adults, often at great personal cost. To support their well-being, our project extends access to floatation therapy, mindful practices and group sessions for carers. These therapies offer stress relief, a chance to connect with fellow carers, and practical self-care strategies that can help them sustain their energy and resilience. By caring for the carers, we’re enhancing the support network around young and elder participants, fostering a healthier, more connected community.
Partnering with the Wider Community
Messages of support...
"I’m delighted to be supporting this crowdfunding campaign in support of the Unity Centre. Over the years they have helped so many people, including men & women that have suffered from Domestic Violence, supported children, refugees and vulnerable adults with complex needs. It’s absolutely critical that we raise enough money to continue funding these brilliant projects and support the fantastic work that the team in the Unity Centre are doing for our community." James MacCleary MP
"I'm proud to have been asked to launch the Unity Crowdfund for the Mental Wealth project. When I understood the amount of support that Unity has offered the community to date, whether it's floatation therapy for individuals with disabilities and key workers, to free massage for refugees and their hosts, to yoga and self-care courses for survivors of abuse, I really saw how The Unity Centre is a central part of our Community. The more we can raise for their latest project for young people with neurodivergent needs, to older people facing physical and mental health challenges, the more essential well-being we can spread. Please give generously." Mayor of Lewes, Cllr Imogen Makepeace
Build a stronger, healthier community!
With your support, we can link generations through wellness, offering mental health support, floatation therapy and mindful practices to those who need it most.
WHO WE ARE
About The Unity Centre and Unity Lewes CIC
Unity is a not-for-profit community organisation offering wellness to all through yoga, dance, massage, meditation, art and music. We have two studios, two treatment rooms, an infrared sauna, floatation suite and vegetarian cafe-lounge. We’re based in Lewes, East Sussex and welcome our local community and visitors to receive support in health & wellbeing. We also offer professional training courses and wellness retreats. Our passion is to allow our diverse community equal access to wellness. This involves targeted and specialist projects for particular groups within our community, of which we have successfully delivered many.
Over the past three years, our community wellbeing initiatives have made a profound impact. Through the Float Project, we’ve uplifted over 2,100 individuals, providing 700 floats annually as a sanctuary of calm and healing. Our Nurture Lewes Project has supported up to 20 participants each week with 24 sessions of nurturing yoga and soothing saunas, while the new Nurture group in Eastbourne has so far empowered 16 women survivors of domestic abuse with monthly yoga sessions over nine months. Additionally, our Breathe Easier Chair Yoga classes have been a lifeline for older adults with serious health conditions, offering essential social and physical support. Together, these initiatives have created a ripple effect of wellbeing throughout our community.
You can read more about here: https://www.being-in-unity.com/community-projects/
Our project is supported by a network of local charities, organisations, schools, and community groups. We work closely with partners like Mind East Sussex, Social Prescribers, and East Sussex Parent Carer Forum to reach those who need it most. Mind Newhaven, Survivors Network provide valuable training to our staff, and strengthens our referral networks so that we can reach those most in need. Our work with MPA & McKeown Professional Associates, involves developing a referral program focused on supporting neurodiversity. Through this partnership, our staff receive specialised training on neurodiversity awareness. These partnerships allow us to refine our approach and provide specialised training for our staff, ensuring we offer the best possible support.
Connect and heal across generations
Together, we can build a healthier community by providing crucial wellness services to both young and older adults. Donate today to make an impact in Lewes!
We welcome philanthropic personal and corporate donations, with customisable perks available for contributions over £3,000. For more information, please contact [email protected]
We can't wait to see what else we can achieve together.
Visit the Unity Crowdfunder webpage for more info at being-in-unity.com/crowdfunder-2024/
We are deeply grateful to our funding bodies whose generous grant funding enables us to run these essential community projects. Our heartfelt thanks go to Barchester’s Charitable Trust, Chalk Cliff Trust, Lewes Town Council, Safer Communities Eastbourne & Lewes District Partnership, Safer in Sussex Community Fund, Sported, Sport England, Awards for All, The National Lottery Reaching Communities, Locase, Locate, Sussex Community Foundation, and The Lewes Fund. We also want to thank you, our Unity Centre members and supporters, for your invaluable contributions, as a portion of membership subscriptions directly supports the centre’s community work. Your support is vital in helping us continue to make a meaningful impact!
Important Note: All contributions made to this campaign are purely donations to support our project. In appreciation of your generosity, we are offering optional 'thank you gifts' (rewards) as a token of our gratitude. If you wish to donate with the option of a reward, please make sure to select the reward first on the right hand column. These rewards are entirely voluntary and do not represent a purchase or exchange of goods. Rewards can be collected after the Crowdfund end. Your donation is what truly makes a difference, and we thank you for your support!