A FESTIVE pantry, meditation Grinch, and Christmas art activities are on offer this month at Braintree’s new mental health hub.
A Place To Be You, on Fairfield Road, opened at the end of October this year.
It was launched by Gemma Griffin, who said the cost-of-living crisis has affected everyone and there was “no judgment” to people either in or out of work.
Welcome - All are welcome to the festive pantry (Image: A Place To Be You)
She said many people are now experiencing difficulties affording electric and heating costs, while others are struggling to pay their mortgages.
“Christmas is a tough time for everybody, not just for people with mental health problems,” she said.
The Festive Pantry has been launched where people can go once a week and help themselves to three items until December 23.
Festive food including chocolates and mince-pies are available, which Gemma said can often "make someone’s Christmas”.
Baby milk and toiletries are also on offer.
Community - With the help of donations, the pantry is stocked for others (Image: A Place To Be You)
Necessities - Formula and other toiletries are also available (Image: A Place To Be You)
The not-for-profit hub will re-open on January 3 was the ‘Community Pantry’ due to the ongoing need.
Gemma said: “Not many people have money come January.”
A ‘meditation Grinch’ will be at the hub's snug on Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas to show people how to relax and de-stress for a donation of £5.
Glimpse - The 'snug' room with yoga mats (Image: Newsquest)
People will also receive a small gift.
Relax - Mediate with the Grinch (Image: A Place To Be You)
During the week, visitors to the centre can do arts activities, with a £2 donation covering either Christmas cracker or card making, Christmas colouring, or 'galaxy' stone painting - where painted stones are splattered to then create patterns.
Varied - Many types of art activities are available throughout the week (Image: A Place To Be You)
They can make festive gifts as well being a way to enjoy being creative.
Opening times are 10am to 4pm.
For more information and to meet new people visit A Place To Be You (Kinder Minds) on Facebook
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here