Former Claret Clarke Carlisle VIP guest at opening of Strength in Struggles wellbeing hub in Whalley
A former police officer, who herself suffered a severe mental health crisis, has seen her dream to open a wellbeing hub come true.
Beck House founded Strength in Struggles through her own lived experience with mental health after a breakdown 19 years ago. It happened while she was working as a serving police officer for Lancashire Constabulary, when she was arrested and detained under the Mental Health Act.
Beck said: “Since then I have been on a mission to turn my pain into purpose and help others with their mental health. I get what it’s like to feel at rock bottom and not want to be here anymore, and I want to help others feeling that.”
The Strength in Struggles CIC wellbeing hub was officially opened in the former station house in Station Road, Whalley, by former Burnley FC and premier league footballer Clarke Carlisle, who is now chairman of MIND. The evening was attended by over 100 people from different organisations around the Ribble Valley, civic dignitaries, family, friends and volunteers.
Beck, who launched SIS in 2023, said: “The SIS wellbeing hub is a welcoming community space, created to provide accessible, practical and compassionate support for people experiencing challenges with their mental health and wellbeing. We believe that early intervention, connection and being heard can make a huge difference.
“Our hub brings people together in a safe, non-judgemental environment.”
The hub is home to a variety of free or accessible activities, support sessions and community groups. There is also support for parents and families, women and men only support, activities and support for young people, workshops and mental health education and alternative wellbeing therapies.
Beck added: “The wellbeing hub isn't a clinical setting and you don't need to have a diagnosis to come through our doors.
The work at SIS is shaped by people who understand life can sometimes be overwhelming and that accessing traditional support isn't always easy.
Beck said: “The hub gives people another door to walk through. A place where conversations can happen over a brew, friendships can develop, confidence can grow and people can begin to take those next steps towards feeling better.”
For more information please go to the website www.sis-strengthinstruggles.org or get in touch with the S.I.S team at [email protected].