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The Creative Living centre will be a nurturing and healing environment where people can choose their own ways of regaining self-esteem. skills and good health.
The activities will include creative arts - dance, music art and drama and complimentary therapies - Aromatherapy, massage and reflexology. There will be a therapeutic and productive garden, a cafe and a shop. Another interesting and inspiring contribution is that of Eco-Arc who are environmental architects. Eco-Arc will be working with us to create healthy and sustainable buildings and our working environment. There will also be a self build element to the project development.
The whole centre won't be fully operational until 1998, but we're starting some services straight away. The Creative Living LETSystem is one of the ways in which the project can integrate with its local community and further the development of the whole project.
We are linked closely with the development of the Employment Services for the mental health trust and they are working with us to find ways of easing the unemployment. lack of money and resources, and vulnerability of many people with mental health problems by making use of the LETSystem. We are exploring training, flexible working arrangements, working in support teams and lots more; all of which are great opportunities uniquely possible using a LETSystem.
We launched the Creative Living LETSystem on Saturday 30th March. It was a beautiful sunny day, and about 100 people came and enjoyed the LETS market and other activities. There were stalls selling dried flower arrangements, candles, greeting cards and books, a magnificent display of garden furniture. You could even have your horoscope done by computer, as well as receiving "hands on" introductions to Reiki and Shiatsu.
The cutting of a special "LETS launch" cake symbolised the official start of the LETSystem and the tea and coffee flowed to wash it down with. Children of all ages enjoyed adding their creative talent to great banners of artwork which were being created on the floor with paints and brushes. These provided a colourful backdrop to the National LETS and Mental Health Conference which was held in Manchester at the end of April. We were delighted to add our energy and links to the success of that Conference by starting the banners here.
Without doubt the highlight of the afternoon was a special auction to which many people had contributed gifts and offers of their skills and talents. Pictures, bags, magic tricks, plant cuttings, a hand made weaving, teddy bears and bottles of wine were just some of the items auctioned along with sessions of deep relaxation, Shiatsu and a haircut. All managed superbly by members of the Creative Living Centre Advisory group who are steering the Creative Living Centre project into a reality. The Creative Living LETSystem is just one part of this project development and now with nearly 70 members it seems set to take the whole thing forwards with even greater momentum.
Anyone can join the Creative Living LETSystem, we are developing themes of creating communities that care and healthy lifestyles, focusing on each others strengths rather than our illness or weakness. The administration of the LETSystem is currently being undertaken by the LETS Solutions registry on the registry software. Creative Living LETSystem will be self managing, following training by LETS Solutions by September 1996.
Any enquiries about the Creative Living Centre or the Creative Living LETSystem to:
Sioban Harpur
c/o Service Development, MHSST Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 3BL
Tel: 0161 772 3524
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