Arise helped Harlow occupant continue their important work

Arise were delighted to support Butterfly Effect Wellbeing by helping them continue their important community work while DIY SOS built them a permanent new home.

 

Arise Innovation Hub occupants Butterfly Effect Wellbeing worked with the BBC to build a new premises for their not-for-profit community hub. They were given a bungalow by the council, but it was in a state of disrepair and needed extensive internal and external updating to make it fit for purpose. Arise in Harlow offered the charity temporary office space to continue their amazing work while the renovations could be carried out.

 

DIY SOS heard of this challenge and with the help of volunteers, trades people and the cast members of Eastenders, they helped to turn the space into a welcoming space for the local community.

 

Butterfly Effect Wellbeing helps to support mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, by providing a safe space. They opened the doors in August 2022 after co-founder Angela’s mum suffered from mental ill health and passed away. Angela continues the work with Dawn, who lost her brother to suicide.

 

Angela says:

 

“Butterfly Effect Wellbeing is a non-judgemental group that offers space to listen, accept, encourage and support those that need it. We have a hub to offer space daily, holding a variety of groups to help those with mental ill health, and we also hold space for people that are suicidal or having suicidal thoughts.”

 

She goes on to say:

 

“This project will enable us to grow our community space to make it more inclusive, bigger and better. This will be achieved by having a bigger building and outdoor space, meaning that we can welcome even more people.“

 

Butterfly Effect Wellbeing has campaigned for months to achieve their funding goal of £60,000 to renovate the existing building in Harlow. They have received a grant of £25,000 from the Asda Foundation and regularly hold fundraisers to reach their target. With the help from Arise Innovation Hubs in Harlow, they were able to fundraise while providing a space to host a variety of activities to help those experiencing mental ill health, including meditation, sound therapy, craft groups, women’s and men’s groups, cooking on a budget, baby and me sessions, children’s support groups, and chill ‘n’ chat for teenagers. They also offer food on various days for anyone to collect, to help with the cost of living.

 

Jack Ellum, Innovation Hubs manager says:

 

“Arise Hubs are proud to support the continuation of Butterfly Effect's excellent support for the Harlow community while DIY SOS build them a permanent home. This type of community wellbeing support is a key part of Anglia Ruskin University’s civic priority.”

 

If you’d like to find out more about Butterfly Effect Wellbeing, please visit their website.