A COMMUNITY-based service to help people access physical and mental wellbeing support in Ilkley has announced it's closure.

Wharfe Valley Pathways, a partnership project delivered at Christchurch, Ilkley, by Keighley Healthy Living's Mental Health Connect programme with Project 6 and The Cellar Trust, will continue to offer one-to-one appointments until its final day of delivery on March 28, 2024.

Since 2021 Wharfe Valley Pathways has provided accessible and non-judgmental support for people in Ilkley and the surrounding area who have experienced challenges to their health and wellbeing. This has included support around mental health, benefits and housing, access to foodbanks, substance use, domestic abuse, health and wellness, as well as referrals to other organisations.

A statement issued on its Facebook page on Thursday, March 14 said: "It is with regret we are announcing the closure of Wharfe Valley Pathways. Due to changes to the funding structure, we are no longer able to sustainably deliver this project."

It added: "We would like to take this opportunity to thanks to NHS Integrated Care Board, Wharfedale Community Health Partnership, Christchurch Ilkley, Primary Care Network, Social Prescribers, Carers’ Resource and residents of Ilkley and surrounding areas."

Following the announcement of the closure of Wharfe Valley Pathways, Keighley Healthy Living confirmed the continuation of mental health support services in Ilkley under the new name of ‘Wharfedale Wellness Together.’

Keighley Healthy Living’s Mental Health Connect programme began in January 2023, focusing on filling gaps in mental health support in Keighley, Wharfedale and surrounding areas, as well as being a fundamental part of Wharfe Valley Pathways that operated from Ilkley’s Christchurch.

Since its launch, Mental Health Connect’s services have been in demand helping over 500 people in the last 12 months.

The approach promoted by Mental Health Connect utilises Keighley Healthy Living’s timetable of established exercise classes, plus dedicated peer support groups (full timetable of sessions available at: https://bit.ly/KHLActivityList).

Mental Health Connect work in partnership with Project 6, Roshni Ghar and Missing Peace to ensure those in need of support are easily connected to the most relevant service.

The new Wharfedale Wellness Together service will continue to run group support sessions from Christchurch on The Grove in Ilkley on Thursdays from 10am to noon from Thursday, April 4, 2024.

Candy Squire-Watt, Project Development Manager said: “We look forward to welcoming new faces from Ilkley and surrounding areas into Wharfedale Wellness Together, as well as previous Wharfe Valley Pathways participants. Our group support sessions will continue to offer help to anyone who wants to make a positive change to their physical or mental wellbeing on a drop-in basis. Please come along!”