Charity opens up to the community

Bethany House started out offering group sessions at churches in the Wakefield area ten years ago, but opened a new building in Chickenley earlier this year.

Now it is keen to get the word out to people in Dewsbury and Mirfield who could benefit from its free services.

Project co-ordinator Jo Gately said: “Most of the people who come at the minute are from the Wakefield, Horbury and Ossett area where we started out.

“We want to open up to offer more advice to people in Kirklees.”

The Christian-run charity was founded by former mental health nurse and psychotherapist Hazel Walker in 2003.

With the support of volunteers, funding was found to pilot a community service.

The charity took on its current home in Chickenley Lane earlier this year.

It uses it as a base to run group sessions and a range of creative activities, as well as offering massage sessions and counselling.

Mrs Gately said: “We don’t ask for anything – just a donation if people can give one.

“One of our philosophies is that people can just come here and be. They can have a coffee and a chat. Sometimes it’s a big deal to come to a group straight away.”

The charity is hosting a Christmas coffee morning open to the community on Saturday November 30.

There will be cake and craft stalls, a raffle, tombola, massages and nail painting, 10.30am-12.30pm.