The Living Rooms celebrates five years in Northallerton

The Living Rooms, dedicated to providing a community hub where "It’s okay not to be okay", is planning to celebrate the occasion with an event next month.

Since its founding in 2019, the charity has made progress in providing a safe space for visitors that has included people who are lonely or isolated, have had trauma or distress in their lives, struggle with their mental health or wellbeing, have dementia, overcoming abuse, struggle with addiction, struggle with housing or financial issues or are seeking asylum.

The Living Room in Northallerton when it opened (Image: The Living Room) One gentleman, aged 93, who regularly visits said that The Living Rooms ‘is the best thing that has ever happened to me because now I’ve got friends, and I can talk about troubles and play cards.

"I recommend it to anyone who feels lonely and needs help. Come to The Living Rooms you will find friendship and happiness will come to you." 

The Living Rooms also offers a youth session called 'Unwind'.

One young person, who, when asked what he got out of coming to Unwind, said: “I like coming because you help me see things from other people’s views and thinking”

The five year milestone marks a journey of growth and community involvement, with The Living Rooms reaching, in the past year alone, 2,452 individual visits with an increased demand of 50 per cent on previous years.

The Living Room has acted as a vital lifeline for people in Northallerton (Image: The Living Room) In total, 35 trained volunteers are contributing some 4,116 hours of their time.

Steve Cowie, Chair of Trustees at the charity, said: "We are so proud to have been serving the community of Northallerton and surrounding area for five years.

"Many people have found acceptance and support at The Living Rooms, and we are so grateful for our team of over 35 volunteers who give their time and passion to fulfil our mission." 

As part of the anniversary celebration, The Living Rooms is hosting a special event on December 5 at The Living Rooms to recognise its visitors, supporters, volunteers, and partners who have contributed to its success.

In addition to this, the charity is relaunching its ‘Friends of Living Rooms’ where individuals can support the charity.

To find out more go to their website here. 

The Living Rooms is open five mornings a week from 10am until 1pm and is situated down Garthway Arcade in Northallerton.

The young people’s session is on a Wednesday after school from 3.30pm until 5.30pm.