Cash boost for 'lifeline' wellbeing sessions

Workshops described as a "lifeline" for people with autoimmune or mobility conditions on the Isle of Man are set to continue after a cash boost.

Charity Without Wings has received more than £4,000 from the Manx Lottery Trust to continue its Be Well & Stay Connected workshop series, held at The Roundhouse in Braddan, after a year-long pilot.

The sessions include activities such as adapted yoga, sound and vocal harmony, expressive movement with words, mindfulness and sound therapy.

Jackie Morrey-Grace from Without Wings said the workshops "have become a lifeline" and give contributor a "true sense of belonging".

The funding enables nine workshops to be held by the charity.

The organisation was launched in 2016 to raise awareness, provide information and offer compassionate funding for individuals and families living with autoimmune conditions," Ms Morrey-Grace said.

"At the heart of this has always been mental health, compassion and understanding for what is often a marginalised group," she said.

Autoimmune diseases are health conditions in which a person's immune system attacks their own body, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Ms Morrey-Grace said the sessions, which were led by trained professionals, "create opportunities to build resilience, learn new skills and make new friends."

Sarah Kelly of the Manx Lottery Trust said Without Wings was "providing vital opportunities for people with long-term health conditions to feel supported and empowered."

An adaptive yoga and soundology session is set to take place on 18 October and expressive movement for mobility will be held on 29 November.

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