Everyone deserves the chance to pause, breathe and feel connected.
Yet joining a wellbeing activity is not always as simple as finding one and turning up. Cost, transport, caring responsibilities, anxiety, disability or simply walking into an unfamiliar room can all stand in the way.
That is why we created Zen Community Hub.
We are a newly established, committee-led, not-for-profit community group based in Nottinghamshire. Our aim is to develop affordable, inclusive wellbeing activities and community projects, particularly for people who may struggle to access traditional opportunities.
We are at the beginning of our journey, but every worthwhile idea has to start somewhere.
It began with a simple observation
Our founder, Neil Perry-Timson, had noticed something repeatedly through his wellbeing work and his experience as a foster carer and adoptive parent:
The people who do the most for everyone else are often the last to receive support themselves.
Carers, parents and professionals can spend so much time holding everything together that their own wellbeing slips quietly to the bottom of the list.
Many of us know that version of “I’m fine”. It often means: everything is under control, but please don’t inspect the amount of sticky tape involved.
“I wanted to help create somewhere people could feel supported too, without judgement, pressure or an expectation that they arrive with everything neatly sorted.”
Neil’s experience planted the seed, but Zen Community Hub is now governed by a voluntary committee with its own wide-ranging experience of care, SEND and community support.
Related article link: Discover more about Neil and the experience behind Zen Community Hub.
Related article link: Meet the people behind Zen Community Hub.
Wellbeing should feel welcoming
An activity can be available without being truly accessible.
It might cost too much, happen at the wrong time or take place somewhere difficult to reach. A carer may not be able to leave the person they support. Someone experiencing anxiety might worry about entering alone. A disabled or neurodivergent person may not know whether their needs will be understood.
We want to consider those barriers from the beginning.
Where funding allows, projects may be free, subsidised or grant-funded. We also want to think carefully about timing, accessibility, sensory needs and how people are welcomed when they first arrive.
Because sometimes the biggest step is simply crossing the threshold.
Connection is part of wellbeing
Wellbeing is not only something we work on alone.
The NHS Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing include connecting with others, learning new skills and giving to others.
A creative workshop can become a conversation. A coffee morning can become the first place someone feels understood. A gentle wellbeing activity can give a carer an hour in which they are not responsible for absolutely everything.
Community activities cannot remove every difficulty, and they do not replace healthcare or professional support. They can, however, create space for connection, encouragement and the occasional much-needed cup of tea.
What happens next?
Subject to funding and partnerships, our developing programme may include:
- Mindfulness, relaxation and gentle movement.
- Creative and practical workshops.
- Social activities and coffee mornings.
- Wellbeing opportunities for carers and families.
- Inclusive community events.
Our first Hub is rooted in Nottinghamshire, with a longer-term hope of working with communities and partners elsewhere in the UK.
We do not want to arrive with a one-size-fits-all answer. We want to listen first.
Related article link: See how we hope to develop support with communities.
Be part of the beginning
Zen Community Hub is new, which means there is a genuine opportunity to help shape what comes next.
Tell us what would help you feel welcome. Share an idea for an activity. Introduce us to a community group, venue or potential partner. Or join our Community Connection group and take part in the conversation.
We cannot promise that every idea will become a funded project immediately. We can promise to listen and be honest about what is possible.
This is the beginning of our story. We would love you to be part of the next chapter.
This group is hosted in The Zen Rooms’ free online community. You’ll need to sign in or create a free account to join (simply click the button above).
