The Isbourne is a wellbeing charity in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire providing a Community Wellbeing Programme. The aim is to empower vulnerable, disadvantaged people in the local community with holistic wellbeing support to cope with financial deprivation and challenges including anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, bereavement and social isolation.

The Programme offers quality-endorsed education on a variety of wellbeing topics to enable individuals to build confidence, resilience and social connections in a safe, therapeutic environment.  

"Something clicked in me, on the last session. The only words I can think of to describe the feeling is, I feel like I can finally breathe, it feels like doors have been unlocked. This is the beginning." (Participant of Community Wellbeing course)

The demand for the Programme has grown exponentially in recent years, and we are Crowdfunding to raise vital funds to be able to continue and expand our provision both at The Isbourne centre itself and at local community venues to reach those in the most deprived areas of Cheltenham who face health inequalities.

We have introduced the topic of 'Money Mindset' financial matters to the Programme, to educate and empower vulnerable individuals to understand their money habits, learn budgeting skills, and create a more positive financial outlook for themselves. In addition, the Programme includes topics that support people with their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.  

We are passionate about making wellbeing activities financially accessible for everyone. The vast majority of participants are not in a position to work due to mental health, physical health, disability, being an older adult or being a full-time carer to a loved one.

We are raising vital funds to be able to deliver, in 2025:

• Minimum of 6 four-week courses held at The Isbourne on a variety of topics, e.g. Money Mindset, Mindfulness, Self-Care, Bereavement, Qigong, Mindset, Yoga.  
• Monthly peer-support group ‘Feel Good Thursdays’ which includes a wellbeing taster session on different topics aiming to educate and support clients with self-esteem, confidence, resilience, finances, creativity, self-care, movement, mind-body connection, nutrition and more.
• Monthly ‘Art for Wellbeing’ sessions, a relaxed no-pressure art class for clients who want to explore expression and creativity to support their wellbeing.
• Further sessions at local community venues as part of wider projects.

All sessions include refreshments and social time as the majority of participants are socially isolated and this helps them to expand their connections with the community and make friends.

How can you help?? 

Here are some examples of how your donation will make a difference...

A £5 donation will enable us to provide tea and coffee for participants for one session.

A £15 donation will cover the materials/equipment required for 15 participants for one Feel Good Thursday or Art for Wellbeing monthly session.

A £30 donation will enable a vulnerable adult to attend a Feel Good Thursdays or Art for Wellbeing monthly session.

A £150 donation will enable a vulnerable adult to attend a four-week Community Wellbeing course.

Any donation, no matter how small, will be gratefully received.

About The Isbourne:

We have two main aims: to support, educate and encourage people in improving their own wellbeing mentally, physically and emotionally by providing the tools, resources and encouragement to inspire happier, healthier and more positive lives; and to ensure that wellbeing is accessible by offering free, donation based, nominal cost and tiered pricing options to suit all budgets and financial circumstances.

The Isbourne is a pioneering hub of wellbeing based in Gloucestershire. Founded in 1995, it has evolved its wellbeing offer over 29 years and is renowned for its outstanding contribution to wellbeing within the community.  As a trusted and well respected community resource, The Isbourne is well placed to fulfil a vital role in supporting individuals through challenging times. 

Through the Charity's involvement with other organisations and networks it has been evident that, whilst other organisations and statutory services may provide essential crisis support for mental health, The Isbourne fills a critical gap providing both preventative and aftercare support in assisting people with their resilience and recovery. With waiting lists for mental health care being so long, the Charity is able to provide some respite and educational wellbeing support for people with low-medium mental health needs such as anxiety and depression, which in some cases may prevent or reduce the need for clinical care and demand on NHS services.

On behalf of The Isbourne team and most importantly our beneficiaries, a huge thank you for supporting this project.