Leighton Buzzard charity helping people to reclaim their lives officially opens its doors

South Bedfordshire MP Andrew Selous unveiled a plaque at the opening of the Reclaim Life centre on Bridge Street on June 30.

He praised the work of the centre, calling it a credit to the town. Town Mayor Councillor Kevin Pughe also spoke, saying how impressed he was with the facilities and how much the Reclaim Life service is needed in these stressful times.

Reclaim Life Chairman Linda Sear, told the 60 invited guests that the charity had been working from the partially finished building for the past year but delayed the opening until it was completed.

The centre provides reception and office space, four consultation rooms and a meeting and training room. In the same building is 'Serendipity', Reclaim Life's charity shop which has raised more than £18k in its first year.

Reclaim Life gives free one to one life coaching and emotional support to anyone suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, anger issues, low self esteem, addictions or any other emotional health problems. Linda acknowledged Dr Kate Smith and Frances Masters for their help in starting Reclaim Life with her and her husband Harry Sear 12 years ago. The charity has helped more than 1,600 people and prevented several potential suicides, helped to get front line staff back to work during the pandemic, and helped people get their lives back when they were overwhelmed.

The aspiration is that now with a permanent base, Reclaim Life can get more financial support and volunteers to enable it to expand its services training more life coaches, going into local schools, helping young people to understand and be in control of their mental health, training health professionals, seeing people quicker, holding open sessions for people needing anger management help etc.

The official opening was closed by a previous client Peter reading his inspiring poem describing his journey through therapy with Reclaim Life.

Anyone interested in finding out more about Reclaim Life and the work they do and volunteering, sponsoring or fund raising, call in, ring 01525 375740 or email [email protected].

Serendipity is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 10am-4pm. Donations of new and nearly new clothes, books, toys. household items etc. would be much appreciated.