The Unity Holistic Lifeline project

Introducing our Holistic Lifeline project

The Unity Holistic Lifeline is a project we’re running for a limited time in our community, with National Lottery funding that enables us to provide, free of charge:

• therapeutic support to those with learning differences, physical disabilities or mental health challenges
• therapeutic support to those at high risk from, or affected by, Covid-19
• physical, emotional and mental support for key workers, including NHS workers

We’re offering a variety of free, therapeutic classes and therapy services, whether live online (via Zoom) or in person at the Centre, including weekly support groups and therapeutic floats and massage therapies. Many of these take place when the Centre is otherwise closed to the public, in order to minimise contacts and protect the vulnerable.

Yoga therapy, psychotherapy, meditation and coaching can greatly help any of us feel connected, heard and understood even when we cannot be together in a room.

We also provide one-to-one services delivered not only at the Centre and online but in visits to people’s private gardens and open spaces, and to residential homes.

To find out more, contact our project team: unitygrantproject@gmail.com .

Classes and support groups

The list below offers greater detail about our Holistic Lifeline classes and support groups. If you can’t see the date you want in the list, select your required date in the calendar at the top of the list.

Massage and floatation therapies

Since the end of March we have been able to resume some remedial/therapeutic massage and floatation therapies, offered free to Holistic Lifeline clients.

Massage

Typically Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, by appointment only 

Therapeutic massage to relieve stress and anxiety as well as treating any musculoskeletal issues and/or physical discomfort.

Floatation Therapy

Typically Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, by appointment only

Floatation therapy is a deeply relaxing therapy. Floating in body-temperature water, you feel completely weightless and supported by the high levels of magnesium (Epsom salts) in the water. One hour of floating is said to have the restorative effects of five hours of sleep.

We recently conducted a thorough study (science researchers call it a literature review) of the scientific evidence for the health benefits of floatation, centred on mainstream, published, peer-reviewed research studies. The work conclusively demonstrates the significant benefits offered by floatation therapy in managing or alleviating conditions including anxiety and depression, stress, pain (particularly stress-related muscular pain), hypertension and chronic tension headaches. It reduces blood pressure and levels of stress-related hormones and offers improved sleep (and improved ease in falling asleep) and heightened feelings of optimism, serenity, relaxation and wellbeing, with increased energy and performance.

Floatation can also play a significant part in the care, symptom management and rehabilitation of Long Covid patients.

If you’d like to read it, our study is here, as a PDF.

If you think these services may help you or someone you know, please contact our project team: unitygrantproject@gmail.com .

Who is it on offer to?

Our Holistic Lifeline project provides assistance to people of all ages with

• learning differences
• physical disabilities
• mental health challenges, including stroke, memory loss and dementia, as well as general stress, anxiety and depression
• long-term illnesses
• high risk from or vulnerable to Covid-19, including those who are Covid-shielding and those with Covid-related anxieties
• Long Covid

These can include over 65s in need, deprived families with children, marginalised adults home alone with learning differences (PMLD) and mobility challenges, teens struggling with mental health or behaviour difficulties, and those suffering with chronic anxiety, depression and chronic fatigue.

We’re particularly keen to help the most marginalised/vulnerable community members who are suffering specifically due to the challenges imposed by Covid-19.

And we’re offering physical, emotional and mental support for key workers, including NHS and carers.

Funding is also helping us to provide continuing support to our stroke club, neuro-yoga classes and cared for children.

Please note that acceptance onto any free service will be based on our eligibility criteria and on availability.

If you have any questions about eligibility, contact our project team: unitygrantproject@gmail.com