HOPS - Healing Opportunities Wellbeing Service

16/04/2026

A First of the Year Retreat Day for some of our Registered Carers to Minsteracres.
What a fabulous day!

We live to support our carers to feel better and live well 💜

14/04/2026

We are delighted to be working with Durham Wildlife Trust to. deliver a 4 week course 'Wilder Wellbeing with Links With Nature '

Bookings are open to adult carers registered with HOPS.

Feel good and boost your wellbeing with our FREE 4 week wellbeing programme. Join us for beginner-friendly nature based activities.

Sessions take place at The Nidderdale Centre and Hetton Lyons Country Park.

Booking is required to attend for the 4 week programme on Wednesdays, 10 - 12pm

DATES:
29th April, 6th May, 13th May, 20th May.

For more information and booking

g.mciver@HOPSwellbeing.org

14/04/2026

SINGING GROUP – 29th APRIL ROKER 🎶

Love to sing? Come and join our friendly, relaxed session.
Everyone is welcome – no experience needed.

✨ Enjoy new and familiar songs
✨ Meet new people
✨ Boost mood and wellbeing
✨ Friendly, supportive atmosphere

📅 Weekly on Wednesdays (we're taking a break next week, next session April 29th)
⏰ 12:00pm – 1:00pm
📍 Roker United Reform Church

Free taster session available

Just £4 per session thereafter – all proceeds go back into our charity work supporting community wellbeing

Come along and give it a try!

info@HOPSwellbeing.org

09/04/2026

Join our Online Yoga Class – Live & Supportive

Start your week with a gentle, guided yoga session designed to help you feel better and stay well.

This is a live online class, so you’ll benefit from a personal experience with a real tutor who can support, guide and adapt movements to suit your needs. Whether you're new to yoga or returning, you’ll be welcomed in a relaxed and friendly space.

Next session: Monday 13th at 9.15am
Live online (join from home)
💜 First session FREE
Then just £4 per session

To book your place, email:
📧 info@HOPSwellbeing.org

Take some time for yourself and start the week feeling calmer, stretched and refreshed

09/04/2026

You look after others — don’t forget to look after yourself 💜

For stress awareness month, we’re highlighting the North East and North Cumbria Staff Wellbeing Hub - a free, confidential service for all health, social care and voluntary staff.

Dr Richard Duggins has shared a powerful blog and video reminding us that many people say they’re “fine” while quietly experiencing stress or burnout. Support is available and reaching out early can make a difference.

• Talk to experienced mental health professionals
• In-person or telephone appointments
• Confidential, with no need to inform your employer
• Appointments often within 7 days

You care for others, let someone care for you.

👉 Watch the video, read the blog and self-refer:

https://northeastnorthcumbria.nhs.uk/here-to-help-you/health-advice-and-support/staff-wellbeing-hub/

31/03/2026

Are you interested in singing? Would you like to feel part of a group and meet new people? Need to get your creative juices flowing?

Then HOPS' Singing For Fun may be the class for you!
As they say, "Laughter is the best medicine", so along with learning and singing new songs together at Singing for Fun, we started rewriting our favourite tunes with a comedic twist to improve mood and mental wellbeing. We also sometimes play some instruments to promote self expression and try new skills.

Our next session is tomorrow 1st April at Roker United Reformed Church from 12pm to 1pm. Your first session will be free and there's no prior singing or music experience needed! There's no need to book, just pop in.

We only ask that you bring a good sense of humour!
For more information, please call 0191 548 3722 or email info@healing-sunderland.org.uk

27/03/2026

A lovely 'Time Out Day' for our registered carers here at The Old Rectory.

Thanj you to all who came along and we missed those who could not make it.

Our next Carers Connect Coffee Morning is Friday 10th April.

16/03/2026

A reminder, as part of our CASH - Come Along and Say Hello -project, our next FREE Spring Craft & Wellbeing Session is tomorrow!

🗓 Tuesday 17th March
⏰ 10.30am–12.30 noon
📍 The Old Rectory, Houghton le Spring

These relaxed, friendly sessions with Anna HeArts Creative Projects give you plenty of time for chat, connection and creativity. It’s a welcoming space to enjoy a cuppa, some free refreshments, and good company while taking part in a calming craft activity.

CASH sessions are open to all adults — whether you’d like to try something creative, meet new people, or simply enjoy a supportive space.

Free to attend thanks to Sunderland City Council's Coalfield Area Commitee Coalfield Sunderland Community

No experience needed.

To book your place, send us a message or email info@healing-sunderland.org.uk

We’d love to see you there!

The Old Rectory

11/03/2026

Online Yoga Success Story!

We love hearing how our weekly online yoga sessions are helping people feel better and stay well. Here’s what one of our regular participants had to say:

"I was originally advised to do yoga to help my bad back. Since starting Karen’s class some time ago, my back has certainly improved. In fact, after every session I feel physically, and indeed mentally, much better. The classes are enjoyable and relaxing. Karen is very patient, and creates a supportive and friendly atmosphere. It is useful to have access to the class recordings, for future practice. Highly recommend!"

Our next session is Monday 23rd March at 9.15am, currently discounted to £4 per session.

To find out more about our Online Yoga classes, please email info@HOPSwellbeing.org or call 0191 548 3722

06/03/2026

A reminder - we have two dates for FREE Spring Craft & Wellbeing Sessions!

As part of our CASH – Come Along and Say Hello project, we’re delighted to be hosting two special Spring Craft sessions on:
🗓 Tuesday 10th March
🗓 Tuesday 17th March
⏰ 10.30am–12.30 noon
📍 The Old Rectory, Houghton le Spring

These relaxed, friendly sessions with Anna HeArts Creative Projects give you plenty of time for chat, connection and creativity. It’s a welcoming space to enjoy a cuppa, some free refreshments, and good company while taking part in a calming craft activity.

CASH sessions are open to all adults — whether you’d like to try something creative, meet new people, or simply enjoy a supportive space.
Free to attend thanks to Sunderland City Council's Coalfield Area Commitee Coalfield Sunderland Community

No experience needed
To book your place, send us a message or email info@healing-sunderland.org.uk
We’d love to see you there!

The Old Rectory ,