A Cross Hills manufacturer is extending its support of neighbouring communities by working with a local charity trying to help people with mental health issues.

Airedale Chemical is helping the Glusburn Institute Community and Arts Centre to continue its Well Being Café, offering residents with low level mental health issues a friendly and welcoming place to socialise, talk and take part in activities. The institute was asked to set up the service by North Yorkshire County Council due to the lack of provision for this type of amenity in the South Craven area.

Gill Birks, Chair of Trustees of the Glusburn Institute Community and Arts Centre, explains: “Covid restrictions have had a lasting effect on many people and we’re offering a place for people who may be affected by mental health issues or just want a place to talk to someone over a coffee. But what our café offers which is really different from others is that we also have a qualified art tutor who offers free activities which also have a therapeutic effect.

“The support we get from local businesses like Airedale Chemical can make the difference between being able to hold these regular events, which have become an important part of people’s routines and wellbeing, and having to close them down.”

Airedale Chemical has committed to covering the cost of the room rental which has helped secure the future of the Well Being Café for a further 12 months.

Daniel Marr, Group CCO at Airedale Chemical, adds: “We have been aware of the fantastic work the volunteers at the Glusburn Institute have been doing for a while, so we were delighted to be able to help them out. Mental wellbeing is such a widespread concern this seemed like a great way to support the institute as well as the wider South Craven community.

“We have also identified further schemes that we’ll be supporting Gill and the team with in the future which we hope will make a difference to the institute, its volunteers and the residents that use their facilities.”

Airedale Chemical supports several local causes, teams and individuals through its charitable arm, the Airedale Foundation, which was set up in 2017 to work with community groups in need of help.

It has since donated funds and resources to the local primary school, cleaned up the village public conveniences, installed four defibrillators in the area and sponsored sports teams amongst other activities.

To find out more about Airedale Chemical, visit www.airedalechemical.com.