MANY small charitable groups would not have recovered from the devastating blow of having its entire funds stolen by a trusted member, but Bourne Wellbeing Group has gone from strength to strength since suffering this set back last year.
The group, with the support of Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Services and the Len Pick Trust, has worked hard to keep its service going and now operates five days a week from its home in Wake House, Bourne, offering activities and support for people with mental health difficulties.
Chairman Val Nicholas said: “We are very grateful for all the support we have received particularly from the Len Pick Trust which generously funded us again, to Wake House for its understanding, and to Lincolnshire CVS which helped us get all our policies and procedures in place so nothing like that can ever happen again.
“The CVS also put us in touch with Lincolnshire Contact Club which now acts as an umbrella organisation for us, giving us registered charity status and an extra layer of support.”
The group, which celebrated its first anniversary on Friday, also runs regular fundraising events, including a coffee morning at Wake House every Tuesday, and is keen for anyone with mental ill-health to pop in to one of the sessions.
Member Sue Protheroe said: “This place is a real life-line.
“When you’re feeling low it makes all the difference to know you’re not alone.
“Just having people to talk to and share your experiences can help you get back on your feet.”