Centre gets a short reprieve

The holistic centre for people suffering from mental health problems has received a grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester to cover the next few months.

But it has already had to reduce its opening hours from five days a week to four and staff shorten their hours accordingly.

And as centre staff predicted, the changes are having a detrimental affect on the members.

Sarah Berry, centre co-ordinator, said: "Many of our members have been distressed. The centre is a lifeline to them and many of them say it is like a family. It has been distressing for everyone, staff included."

The Community Foundation for Greater Manchester has also provided the centre with an experienced fundraiser to help them secure additional funding.

As reported in the Guide last November, the Creative Living Centre in Bury New Road was threatened with closure after failing to secure funding which would have funded operations for the next three years.

The centre has been open as a charity since 1997 and offers a range of complementary therapies and support to people who are suffering from mental health problems and emotional distress.

The Community Fund gave the centre a grant in 2000 but when they did not continue that funding last year, it meant the majority of staff would be made redundant. Last November, the centre had six core staff, plus six therapists and several tutors.

Sarah, who now works three days a week, said: "We now have four part time staff and the tutors who are funded separately by the Workers Education Association. We have managed to cover all the things that we did in five days in four days but as there are not as many staff working, we are stretched.

"This funding has given us breathing space and the fundraiser will work with us on grant applications."

The centre is still in talks with Bury Primary Care Trust, which pays for the lease on the building, but so far no financial solutions have been offered.