A resource centre which supports people suffering from mental health issues and isolation across Ryedale is aiming to raise £500k to save its home.

Next Steps Mental Health and Well-Being Resource Centre, based in Norton, has been given notice that the lease on its property will be terminated in October.

The Salvation Army, which owns the building, in Church Street, has said it now wants to sell the property to raise funds for its own charity work.

Leisa Burniston, Service Manager at Next Steps, said: "The owners have indicated that they appreciate the work Next Steps undertakes from the Norton base which also supports weekly satellite venues in Kirkbymoorside, Helmsley and Pickering, but they have decided to sell the property and because they are themselves a charity, they need to sell at market value.

"Next Steps have invested significantly in the property over the last 18 years they have had the lease and want to continue the excellent work they have achieved from that base, which now supports approximately 320 regular members throughout Ryedale who suffer from mental health issues, isolation and loneliness."

Leisa said the Trustees and the Management of Next Steps were supported by around 60 dedicated volunteers who provide the backbone of the support necessary to achieve its outcomes, so much so Next Steps was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2017.

"The Church Street base provides a five-star hygiene rated cafe, which is open to everyone and also provides food for the three other town venues, an IT Suite, a wide range of activities and courses, well-being support and rooms where other related agencies can use to support vulnerable people.

"It also provides a base for Next Steps gardening and ‘land to plate’ outdoor horticultural projects, which encourages members to exercise and learn gardening skills.

"Due to its centralised location, accessibility, suitability, and lack of alternative adequate accommodation these premises provide the perfect permanent base for Next Steps in the community. It is therefore the intention of Next Steps Trustees to try and buy the premises develop and extend the building over time to provide a Living Well Community Hub where compatible local agencies and charities can operate to provide community support throughout Ryedale."

One of their new fundraising initiatives is to ‘Buy a Brick’ where individuals and organisations can purchase bricks for £25 each and have their names listed on a commemorative board in recognition. Individuals are also encouraged to fundraise with recent examples, Ollie Varey who raised over £1,400 by running 32 miles to all Next Step’s venues across Ryedale and Ryan Swain who skateboarded for 12 hours and raised £1,031/

Alan Evans, Chair of Next Steps Trustees said:" I have been involved with Next Steps for the past 20years and have seen the Charity grow in that time to become the excellent organisation it is today, providing the necessary support to hundreds of vulnerable people. It’s loss to the area would be devastating because it is such a valued community asset, and I would therefore urge local people and organisations to support us in any way they can. I appreciate that we are in a difficult financial climate at the moment but any support, no matter how little, would be very much appreciated."

Next Steps is also part of Ryedale Charities Together involving five local charities who work together and all are fully supportive of the Living well Community Hub for Ryedale.

Ryedale Carers support chief officer Claire Hall said: “Ryedale Carers Support would fully endorse the need for a living well hub in Ryedale. It would be a great asset to us all and the people we support- let’s make this a reality."

A Salvation Army spokesperson said: “We’re incredibly sad that we have no choice but to sell our building in Church Street. It’s important that The Salvation Army uses the funds that are so generously donated to us wisely and holding onto this building is simply not financially viable. Next Steps carries out some brilliant work in our local community and have the opportunity to make an offer along with other potential purchasers.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to the fundraising should contact Leisa on 01653 690854

To donate directly go to https://localgiving.org/appeal/buildingacommunityhub_Brickofhopeappeal/