New wellbeing hub 'already making a difference'

Lydia Moore is behind the Warminster Wellbeing Hub.

A chance meeting in a supermarket is behind a new wellbeing hub, which bosses have said was "already making a difference" ahead of an official opening in the new year.

The Hub in Warminster, Wiltshire, will offer services to the local community including counselling, sensory therapies and music events.

People have already been encouraged to visit - for a "friendly chat" - before the full programme begins in late January.

Those behind the scheme have praised the "amazing" response to the project and hope to establish the hub as a "home for everyone" in the community.

The premises on Warminster High Street was once a carpet shop

The scheme is the brainchild of teacher and mental health practitioner, Lydia Moore, who lives in the town: "It used to be a carpet shop on the high street. They're already coming in to ask what's going on."

Originally from Zimbabwe, she moved to Warminster in 2003 and has built her career helping children in the area with their mental health.

The idea for the project came about after a chance meeting in a supermarket with Dr Charity Chenga, who came together with Ms Moore on the project.

Ms Moore said she has a passion for "making people's lives easier" and moved into youth mental health services because she wanted a "better life for children."

Personal training sessions are also on offer.

The hub is being funded by Ms Moore and her partners, and whilst they won't be free, she hopes the range of services on offer will encourage people to engage with the project.

"Lots of people want to get involved. We want to make sure people have somewhere to go when they need help", she said.

As well as services like counselling and sensory therapy, the hub will also offer the community a place to "dance, chat and meet others."

Ms Moore has run African dance classes for a while and will be incorporating this too.

They have already been holding events in the space.

She said the community reaction to the project has been "so amazing."

"We had people at the door with sofas! Loads of people are wanting to make it happen. It's exciting" she added.

"We're already making a difference."