First founded in 2011, The Hut York is a local members-led charity that’s dedicated to providing both short and long-term support for adults struggling with their mental health and/or learning disabilities. The charity was initially established as Clarence Gardens Association, and designed
to meet the increasing demand for day facilities in and around York. After rebranding as The Hut York (due to the fact that its HQ on Wiggington Road resembles – you guessed it – a hut!), the charity underwent significant expansion, with a new building called ‘The Hubble’ (a bubble-shaped structure located next to the original Hut, that’s home to its Wellness Haven) proudly opened in July 2021.
Open from 10am-3pm on Mondays to Fridays, The Hut York provides much-needed assistance for locally based individuals and families who may need extra help navigating their often challenging everyday lives. Focused on learning, development and creativity, the charity offers those in need access to a diverse programme of workshops, sessions and activities, all of which are curated, designed and delivered in-house by members and volunteers. Its board of trustees is made up of passionate individuals who, between them, possess a wealth of knowledge and experience relating to the fields of mental health and learning disabilities.
The Hut York’s caring team (made up of Hut Helpers, Learning Support Mentors and more) offers tailored support, guidance and coaching to help individuals build and develop crucial daily life skills, from problem solving, critical thinking and communication, to coping with everyday tasks and fostering healthy relationships. Weekly workshops and activities on offer at The Hut and The Hubble include friendly and informal drop-ins, ‘The Crafty Kitchen’ cooking sessions, ‘The ‘A’ Team’ arts and crafts sessions, ‘Calm Space’ meditation sessions, ‘Stepping Stones’ life skills workshops, ‘Wellness Warrior’ wellbeing boosters, and ‘Chit, Chat & Social’ communication skills workshops. Other offerings include ‘Body Magic’ tapping and dance classes, ‘Mindful Tones’ workshops (which make use of soothing sounds, meditation and musical instruments), ‘Taking a Breather’ breathwork sessions, ‘Let’s Have a Laugh’ laughter yoga sessions, and ‘The Perfect Mix’ sessions, in which beneficiaries can select their favourite activities to partake in. In its outside area, The Hut York has established a ‘Seed to Feed’ project, designed to teach people about the importance of growing, recycling and nature through the nurturing of seeds and plants. There’s also a small shop located in The Hut (‘Hut Made’), which sells a variety of goods made and designed by the members themselves, all in aid of a good cause!
Get in touch with the team via 01904 652991 or info@thehutyork.co.uk. If you’re keen on volunteering, visit www.thehutyork.co.uk/volunteering-2 for more information – email emmalittle@thehutyork.co.uk to register your interest or sign up as a Hut Helper volunteer.
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