A RESOURCE centre which supports people suffering from mental health issues and isolation across Ryedale has received a major boost to support its vital work.

Next Steps Mental Health Resource Centre, based in Norton, has received £320,000 of National Lottery funding to develop its role in the local community.

The four year National Lottery grant will support the centre's work including the 'Living well with Hubs' and providing Living well Coordinators..

At the same time, the groups will be able to expand and deliver the many services to those in need across Ryedale.

Working in partnership with Carers Plus Yorkshire, Next Steps Mental Health Resource Centre has been able to develop the series of wellbeing programmes designed to focus on ‘living well with…..’ a number of medical conditions and mental health related issues.

The free programmes are designed to help look at how we can remain positive and focused on our own physical and mental health whilst managing a long-term health condition.

The next series of courses are called ‘Living Well Within your Community. The content looks at practical ways to help you connect with others, explore self-care ideas and ultimately to enable you to Live Well within your Community.

Leisa Burniston Chief Officer of Next Steps said: “We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to press on with our plans to broaden the range of opportunities available to local people with mental health issues, disabilities, and those who are isolated or lonely. This is important because it helps both the individual and their family to build relationships with others facing similar challenges and to create their own supportive circles of friends and peers whilst offering services to support them.

"Our members, volunteers, and supporters are over the moon that we won’t lose vital services and they will be able to continue to access support and services to help them remain well."

Leisa said that Next Steps was also now in the position after many months of fundraising to buy its current home in Church Street.

"Any day now we are hoping to sign the final contracts to purchase the building from the Salvation Army, who own it and who have been supporting us throughout this process.

"We hope and pray that we will be then be granted planning permission as we hope to extend and refurbish the building, through grants and much more fundraising to make it into a “Living Well Hub” where all agencies, community groups can work together under one roof for the benefit of the community.

"We hope to provide 24/7 access to the building and provide low-cost rents so we can all work together signposting under one roof and providing many activities, groups, and support for all the community in the heart of our community."

Next Steps has been running since 2001 and is staffed by 10 staff and over 60 volunteers.

The organisation now runs four weekly satellite groups in Pickering (Thursday), Kirkbymoorside (Wednesday) and in Helmsley (Friday) as well as the main hub in Norton that is open five days a week.

Leisa added: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have donated, raised funds ,supported us, bought bricks ,gave donations, The National Lottery for continuing to be able to provide our services, and all those individuals who have gone above and beyond, we would also like to thank the Handy Mag and the continued support of out local paper the Malton Gazette & Herald you all of helped us more than you ever will know. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

For more information on the 'Living Well...' courses e mail community@nextstepsryedale.co.uk