The East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund (ELMBF) is proud to support another outstanding local initiative helping people who may be struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.

Recently, the ELMBF presented a £1,000 donation to The Centre of YES, a vibrant non-profit group based at Higher Blackley Community Centre in Manchester. The Centre provides holistic therapies and activities designed to improve both emotional and physical wellbeing within the community.

W.Bro. Stewart Mills, Provincial Grand Charity Steward and W.Bro. Mark Rowe, visited the Centre to present the donation on behalf of the ELMBF. This was part of a Provincial wide initiative and The Centre of Yes was nominated to receive this donation by Mossley Mark Lodge No. 1381. During the visit, Stewart highlighted how deserving the group is of support, recognising the important role it plays in delivering regular holistic therapies to individuals and groups who benefit greatly from its work.

Thanks to this support, Claudine and the team will now be able to hold a summer event and continue their progress towards registering as a full charity; helping the organisation grow from strength to strength

The weekly yoga sessions are particularly well attended, and it was a pleasure to meet participants who spoke warmly about the friendship, encouragement, and sense of community they experience each week. Stewart also met with Shirley, the yoga teacher, and thanked her for her dedication, along with Claudine for her continued commitment to supporting such a diverse group of people.

The ELMBF is delighted to play a small part in helping this wonderful community initiative continue its valuable work.