Unity Mental Wealth appeal
Our 2024/25 crowdfunder raising vital funds for
MENTAL WEALTH
cross-generation holistic therapy
Mental and physical health support through therapy for older and younger people together,
in and around Lewes, in partnership with MIND
Watch our video
What we’re fundraising for
Mental Wealth: cross-generation holistic therapy is a three-year project that depends on vital crowdfunding.
Mental Wealth is
- Nurturing mental and physical wellbeing for young people aged 14-24 suffering from stress & anxiety, with a focus on neurodivergency
- Boosting mental clarity and physical mobility for people over 65
- Enabling and resourcing cross-generational connection and mutual support between these two highly vulnerable groups in our community
Our focus for this project is on bringing together different generations in our community, especially young people (aged 14-24) dealing with anxiety and depression and neurodivergent young people, and older adults (aged 65+) who might, particularly those suffering from dementia, memory loss and mobility challenges who be feeling lonely or isolated.
Through this project, we aim to provide intergenerational mental health support through floatation therapy and mindful wellbeing practices, and create a space where both groups can support each other and contribute to the community’s overall wellbeing. To bridge the gap between young people and elders, we will also be facilitating intergenerational events and opportunities to contribute to the community. By bringing these age groups together, we’re not just addressing their immediate needs—we’re also building a stronger, more connected community.
Every donation counts! Your kind contribution is vital in helping us to provide this service, as we continue working hard on applying for additional funding and grants.
Empowering young people, supporting older people
Contribute to a project that supports and connects younger and older people through therapy.
Your generosity makes lasting community impact possible!
Crowdfunder classes
Some of our teachers and workshops leaders have kindly donated classes and workshops to raise money for the Mental Wealth appeal. Book a place on any of these crowdfunder sessions and every penny will go towards the crowdfunder.
More about Mental Wealth
Helping young people (aged 14-24)
Young people today face unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety due to the lasting effects of the pandemic, global uncertainties, and concerns about climate change, which impact both their mental well-being and ability to navigate modern life. To help manage these pressures, our program offers floatation therapy and mindful practices, providing young individuals with an opportunity to relax, reduce stress, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. We are especially focused on supporting neurodivergent individuals, by offering personalised tools and a supportive community to help them manage their unique challenges, build confidence, and thrive.
Beyond therapeutic care, our program encourages community engagement and personal growth through group sessions, discussions, and events that foster a sense of belonging and resilience. These activities help young people connect with their peers, express themselves, and contribute meaningfully to their communities, empowering them to develop a deeper sense of purpose. Our goal is not just to alleviate stress, but to provide young participants with the resources and support they need to flourish in an ever-changing world.
Supporting older adults (65+)
Our programme provides physical and mental health support for older adults, addressing issues like mobility challenges and dementia. Key activities include floatation therapy to improve relaxation and reduce pain, as well as mindful somatic practices such as chair yoga, meditation and breathwork. We also involve caregivers in these activities, ensuring they receive the care and support they need to manage their own well-being. By focusing on both older adults and their carers, we aim to enhance quality of life and promote relaxation, relieving pressure on stretched services and reducing stress for everyone involved.
In addition to health benefits, our programme fosters social connection and combats isolation by encouraging older adults to engage in group activities and build meaningful relationships. We also facilitate intergenerational exchanges, where older adults can share their wisdom with younger participants, enriching both groups and strengthening community bonds. Our ultimate goal is to help older adults regain a sense of purpose, stay connected and live fulfilling lives within a supportive, inclusive environment.
Supporting carers and guardians
We recognise the vital role carers and guardians play in supporting both young people and older adults. To support the carer’s wellbeing, our project extends access to floatation therapy, mindful practices, and group sessions specifically for carers. These therapies offer stress relief, a chance to connect with fellow carers and practical selfcare strategies that can help them sustain their energy and resilience. By caring for the carers, we’re enhancing the support network around young and elder participants, fostering a healthier, more connected community.
Messages of Support…
“I’m proud to have been asked to launch the Unity Crowdfund project.
When I understood the amount of support that Unity has offered the community to date, whether it’s floatation therapy for individuals with disabilities and key workers, to free massage for refugees and their hosts, to yoga and self-care courses for survivors of abuse, I really saw how The Unity Centre is a central part of our Community.
The more we can raise for their latest project for young people with neurodivergent needs, to older people facing physical and mental health challenges, the more essential well-being we can spread. Please give generously.”
Mayor of Lewes, Cllr Imogen Makepeace
“I’m delighted to be supporting this crowdfunding campaign in support of the Unity Centre. Over the years they have helped so many people, including men & women that have suffered from Domestic Violence, supported children, refugees and vulnerable adults with complex needs. It’s absolutely critical that we raise enough money to continue funding these brilliant projects and support the fantastic work that the team in the Unity Centre are doing for our community.”
James MacCleary MP
Who we are…
At Unity is a CIC (not-for-profit) our passion is to allow our diverse community equal access to wellness. This involves targeted and specialist projects for particular groups within our community, of which we have successfully delivered many.offering wellness to all, through yoga, dance, massage, meditation, art & music. We’re based in Lewes, East Sussex and welcome our local community and visitors to receive support in health & wellbeing. We also offer professional training courses and wellness retreats. We have two studios, two treatment rooms, an infrared sauna, floatation suite and vegetarian cafe-lounge.
Over the past three years, our community wellbeing initiatives have made a profound impact. Through the Float Project, we’ve uplifted over 2,100 individuals, providing 700 floats annually as a sanctuary of calm and healing. Our Nurture Lewes Project has supported up to 20 participants each week with 24 sessions of nurturing yoga and soothing saunas, while the new Nurture group in Eastbourne has so far empowered classes of up to 16 women survivors of domestic abuse with monthly yoga sessions over nine months. Additionally, our Breathe Easier Chair Yoga classes have been a lifeline for older adults with serious health conditions, offering essential social and physical support. Together, these initiatives have created a ripple effect of wellbeing throughout our community.
Read more about our Community Support Projects.
How we’ve connected with wider community support: Community Partnerships
Our community partnerships allow us to refine our approach and provide specialised training for our staff, ensuring we offer the best possible support. Our project is supported by a network of local charities, organisations, schools, and community groups. We work closely with partners like Mind East Sussex, Social Prescribers, and East Sussex Parent Carer Forum to reach those who need it most. Mind Newhaven, Survivors Network provide valuable training to our staff, and strengthens our referral networks so that we can reach those most in need. Our work with MPA & McKeown Professional Associates, involves developing a referral program focused on supporting neurodiversity. Through this partnership, our staff receive specialised training on neurodiversity awareness.
Build a Stronger, Healthier Community!
With your support, we can link generations through wellness, offering mental health support, floatation therapy, and mindful practices to those who need it most.
Join Unity in making a difference…
We are excited to launch this Crowdfunding campaign to support our project, and we invite you to be a part of it. While we are pursuing larger funding opportunities, we also truly believe in the power of community support. Every contribution helps bring us closer to our goal and allows this project to thrive. By donating through this Crowdfunder, you’re not only helping to bring our mission to life but also becoming a vital part of our journey. Check out the Crowdfunder page to make a donation, and browse the ‘rewards’ we have lined up as tokens of our gratitude.
All contributions made to this campaign are purely donations to support our project. In appreciation of your generosity, we are offering optional ‘thank you gifts’ (rewards) as a token of our gratitude. These rewards are entirely voluntary and do not represent a purchase or exchange of goods.
Your donation is what truly makes a difference. Whether it’s £10 or hundreds of pounds, it is all equally important and valuable to us, and we thank you for your support!
Support Wellness for All Ages!
Help us bridge the gap between generations with holistic health care. Your donation will empower young people and older adults to connect, heal, and thrive together.
We are deeply grateful to our funding bodies whose generous grant funding enables us to run these essential community projects. Our heartfelt thanks go to Barchester’s Charitable Trust, Chalk Cliff Trust, Lewes Town Council, Safer Communities Eastbourne & Lewes District Partnership, Safer in Sussex Community Fund, Sported, Sport England, Awards for All, The National Lottery Reaching Communities, Locase, Locate, Sussex Community Foundation, and The Lewes Fund. We also want to thank you, our Unity Centre members and supporters, for your invaluable contributions, as a portion of membership subscriptions directly supports the centre’s community work. Your support is vital in helping us continue to make a meaningful impact!
The Unity Centre is run by Unity Lewes CIC, a not-for-profit community interest company.
If you would like to support our community work through a donation, please visit our donations page. 😊