HOPS - Healing Opportunities Wellbeing Service

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 ,

06/03/2026

Great news! Circle dancing is back tomorrow 7th March, from 1.30pm at our usual , lovely venue, Kepier Hall, Houghton.

It will be great to see everyone again and have a fun and uplifting time, led by Joyce's enthusiasm and expertise.

If you're new, just drop by and give it a go!

Circle Dance is Back!

We are looking forward to our next Circle Dancing session on Saturday March 7th at the new time of 1.30-3.30pm.

Everyone is welcome to come along to this FREE session.
It takes place at Kepier Hall, Church Street, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4DN (Through the archway into the church grounds of St Michael and All Angels Church).

Share the joy of dancing with others and discover a sense of wellbeing and community.

Why not give it a try? No booking needed just come along on the day.

For more information contact us by sending a Facebook message or email: info@healing-sunderland.org.uk

05/03/2026

CPR Training today with here at The Old Rectory.
Lots of learning and practical demonstrations.

04/03/2026

💜Back at Hetton New Dawn Lunch Club!💜

We were delighted to return to the wonderful @ HettonNewDawn Lunch Club, supporting elderly and isolated members of the community who gain so much from socialising, connection and the friendly support of the fantastic Hetton New Dawn team.

Thanks to funding from the Coalfield Sunderland Community Chest, we were able to bring along two of our lovely therapists to provide holistic treatments, helping to ease aches and pains while offering some much-needed relaxation and calm.

Of course, we had to pause for the all-important bingo and buffet lunch — priorities! 🎉🍰

HOPS are absolutely thrilled with the positive feedback from attendees and it’s clear how valuable these sessions are in boosting mood, wellbeing and community connection.

We’re already looking forward to being back again in April 💜

03/03/2026

We need your support!

HOPS has a chance to receive a £1,000 donation from the Benefact Group’s Movement for Good campaign – and it only takes 2 minutes to help us get there.

This generous funding would help us continue delivering holistic therapies and wellbeing support to those who need it most in our community – including unpaid carers, older adults, and people experiencing social isolation.

👉 Click the button below to complete a simple nomination form on the Movement for Good website:
https://movementforgood.com/draws/1000

Our charity number: 1137794

Thank you for your support — your nomination really could make a big difference!

03/03/2026

💼💜 Workplace Wellbeing in Action – National Glass Centre, Sunderland 💜💼

We recently had the pleasure of delivering a Workplace Wellbeing session at the National Glass Centre for their amazing Sunderland Culture staff. It was a pleasure to work in their pod space with fantastic views of the city and riverside, what a wonderful place for our massage therapists to offer some much-needed relaxation.

Employee wellbeing truly matters. Taking even a short pause during the working day to unwind, reset and relieve tension can make a real difference to focus, morale and overall health. It was fantastic to see staff taking time out for themselves and leaving their sessions feeling calmer and refreshed.

Even better — all profits from our Workplace Wellbeing Days go directly back into HOPS, helping us fund vital holistic wellbeing support within the community.

Supporting teams at work while supporting our wider community 💜

If your organisation would like to find out more about booking a Workplace Wellbeing session, get in touch!

https://healing-sunderland.org.uk/workplace-wellbeing-days/