We are a community organisation in Lancaster, UK dedicated to creating spaces of love and kindness, finding healing through kindness and meaningful relationships. We prioritise creating a loving and supportive community, bringing people together from all walks of life and backgrounds without stigma, discrimination or labelling. All our activities are aimed at increasing the resilience of people living on little or no income or facing other disadvantage who are living with pain and trauma.
PRE-COVIDWe ran:
- 3 Monthly Therapy clinics in community venues (including in a Medical Practice).
- Weekly Wellbeing drop-ins for asylum seekers and refugees offering emotional support and massage therapies
- Social evenings and trainings for volunteers and the wider Tara community
- Weekly Relaxation classes for people with long term health problems, in recovery from drug and alcohol misuse and young people
POST-COVID (no longer allowed to offer touch therapies)We've adapted and adjusted and now have an almost new project altogether:
- Relaxation classes for residents of a supported housing project for people in recovery from addiction
- Outdoor Tai Chi classes for people with limited mobility
- Online movement and relaxation classes on Zoom for people who are shielding due to health issues
- Meditations sessions on Facebook 4 times a week since March
- Facebook community set up in March to offer peer support, connection and uplifting stories
- Created aTimebank for the exchange of skills and services one hour at a time, without recourse to money (online and in person)
- A community gardening project to maintain social connection
- Befriending project for asylum seekers and people needing emotional support
- Online socials
- Social accessible walking groups
Before lockdown, volunteers saw 70+ people a week for meditation, social and therapeutic support.
Since lockdown:- 375 people in an online support group (and growing)
- 60+ people joining meditation sessions live online every week
- 17000 online views of our meditation sessions
- 35 new members in the Timebank since September (and growing) supporting each other and exchanging services
- 11 new volunteer befrienders
- 7 new volunteers in community garden project and social walking groups
We carried out a
Social Impact Survey just prior to lockdown with any one they had any contact with, even if it was just once.81% of respondents said their mental health had improved, 86% of those looking for support with pain said their pain had improved, 78% said they felt more connected to their community, 81% said they felt more at peace, 80% said they felt more prepared to handle challenges that come up in life.
These are remarkable results given the social context of people they are working with and the challenges they face especially that:
* 100% of respondents said they would recommend the Tara Centre to their families and friends.
What’s the single best benefit of contact with us has been:
"A sense of belonging. Meeting the people who go there too. Connecting with the bountiful love that multiplies and dances out of there."
"Finding an organisation founded on true compassion, acceptance, non judgement and thus finding solace in what can be a stormy ocean".
"Learning about ways to cope with stress and anxiety"
"Overcome chronic pain and support through mental breakdown"
"Knowing I'm not just a number or a limb".
"Your love & acceptance"
"Improved health and motivation to take charge of my own wellbeing. I have been received with respect care and loving attention and never judged in any way. A wholly positive experience".
"Physical and mental health have both improved so much".
"Friendship and emotional support"
“I love your inclusivity, and how committed you are to offering low cost treatments. Very much appreciated.”
“Your inclusivity and acceptance is second to none. Thank you so much for welcoming me into the various groups”.
“Am in awe of all the people who give of their time and selves for the benefit of others. ”
“The Tara centre has become my sanctuary. I visit it at least twice a week and cannot imagine my life without it now. It's a safe, beautiful place place I know I will not be judged but accepted. Thank you so much.”
