Support groups collaborate to help long term sufferers

A COLLABORATION between a lifeline community cafe and a Teesdale therapist is aiming to help more people with long-term illnesses.
Barnard Castle’s SOS (Sufferers, Overcomers and Supporters) cafe has teamed up with Nicky Morse’s mobile therapy service to provide a space for her care services.
The mother-of-two launched Eating and Living last year to help those with dementia, cancer and other serious ailments.
Since then, the start-up firm has grown, leaving Ms Morse needing more space.
Cafe volunteers Cliff and Kathy Burrage were only too happy to help.
Ms Morse said: “I think it’s wonderful – it’s so fantastic that there is something so central to the town.
“It’s a relaxed and safe place and there is so much going on.”
The cafe, which shares its King Street home with Durham Deafened Support and Friends of Citizen’s Advice, received a £10,000 boost from Teesdale Action Partnership late last year.
But more spaces have opened up for it to be used.
Mrs Burrage added: “We need to give it a push because the numbers have dropped again.
“It’s a comfortable and warm space, with plenty of cups of tea and very good people.”
A former retail worker, Ms Morse moved into personal fitness therapy after remedying her own health problems.
She has collected a number of qualifications during the past two decades including some in aromatherapy, massage and complementary fitness therapy.
Meanwhile, the SOS cafe helps people with mental health issues through meetings and creative activities.
Anyone interested can visit SOS at 5a King Street between 10am and 4pm each Wednesday and Thursday.
For more information on the Living and Eating therapy service, call Ms Morse on 07792 717730.