A woman is appealing to the community to support her in her venture to open a community hub in the heart of Seaham.

Audrey Huntley set up Wellness Works Community Hub CIC to provide a safe and supportive space for local residents to come together to help reduce loneliness and isolation, improve wellbeing, access affordable activities and build stronger community connections.

Audrey is currently raising money to find a suitable premises in Seaham Harbour and “begin serving the community”.

She said: “Over recent months, I have invested significant personal funds into purchasing equipment and resources needed to bring the project to life.

Audrey Huntley is appealing to the community to support her in her venture to open a wellness hub in the heart of Seaham.

placeholder image — Audrey Huntley is appealing to the community to support her in her venture to open a wellness hub in the heart of Seaham.

"We already have much of what is required to begin delivering activities and services. However, like many new community organisations, our biggest challenge is securing suitable premises.

“As a newly formed CIC, we do not qualify for many of the larger funding opportunities until we have an established base and can demonstrate a track record of delivery.

"Some funders require several months of operation, while others require a year or more.

"This leaves us in a difficult position where we need premises to operate, but we need evidence of operation to access larger grants.”

Audrey must be able to prove that she can afford to pay the rent for at least six months on a premises big enough for the hub’s needs.

She said: “I really do believe this project is needed, not just for the neurodiverse, but for the elderly, the disabled, youngsters and carers – anyone who is struggling physically or mentally through life.”

Despite these challenges however, community support for the project has so far been “overwhelmingly positive”.

Audrey said: “Through conversations with local residents, parents, carers, older people and individuals experiencing loneliness, it has become clear that there is a real need for a community-focused space in Seaham Harbour.”

Audrey hopes to introduce a community cafe and children’s play area to the hub as well as organise support groups, workshops and wellbeing activities.

She said: “Every donation, share and message of support helps bring us one step closer to opening our doors.”

Donations can be made online at https://bit.ly/4gEvkSl.