The Aurora Wellbeing Centre in Worksop is undergoing a major transformation to help support families across the district, thanks to a £1,800 Councillor Community Grant.
The centre is creating a dedicated Family Therapy Suite, with a focus on supporting children and young people affected by cancer in their family. The suite will provide a safe and nurturing space designed to feel calm and welcoming, rather than clinical.
The renovation will include soft furnishings, child-friendly resources, and flexible furniture to accommodate a range of therapeutic approaches, such as family counselling, play-based therapy, and creative activities. Additional work will see the room being soundproofed, with extra resources to make it accessible for everyone.
The Family Suite is expected to be completed by the summer, and Louise Gladwin, Fundraising Manager at the Aurora Centre, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this Councillor Grant funding, which will make a valuable contribution towards our wider goal of developing a dedicated family therapy suite.
“This space will form an important part of our children’s therapy service, helping young people who are coping with the impact of cancer within their family to access the emotional support they need.
“On behalf of everyone at Aurora, I would like to thank the councillors for their generous support. Every contribution helps us move closer to making this vital project a reality for local families.”
The councillors who contributed to the grant are: Cllr Maria Charlesworth, Cllr Laura Sanders, and Cllr Neil Sanders, Ward Members for Worksop North, and Cllr Lynn Dixon, Ward Member for Worksop North-West.
Cllr Charlesworth spoke on behalf of the councillors and said: “We are proud to support the Aurora Centre. The creation of a dedicated family therapy suite will provide a vital space for children and young people who are navigating the emotional impact of cancer within their family. It’s a project that will bring real comfort and practical support to those who need it most.
“We’re grateful to the Aurora team for the incredible work they do in our community, and we’re pleased to play a part in helping this meaningful project come to life.”
The Aurora Charity was founded in 2002 to help provide a welcoming environment for cancer patients who felt vulnerable and uncertain about their future. The charity first launched sites at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Montagu Hospital in Mexborough before expanding to Worksop in 2011, creating an innovative community service within the old Library and Museum Building.
Aurora became an independent charity in 2016 and continues to develop and grow services, including emotional support and counselling.
To find out more information about Aurora Wellbeing Services, visit: https://aurorawellbeing.org.uk
