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Inspiration Therapies Opens at Teesside Park
A facility offering counselling and therapy treatment for children and families has opened at Teesside Park, with a visit from former footballer and legendary sports pundit, Chris Kamara MBE, to mark the occasion.
Inspiration Therapies offers a range of counselling and therapy treatment for children, young people, and adults who may be suffering with mental health and emotional or wellbeing issues. The service was set up with the aim of reducing therapy and counselling waiting lists.
Sessions are available to book with Inspiration Therapies now, with the therapists on-site conducting initial assessments to identify an appropriate treatment path. The sessions will be available by appointment only, with bookings taken via email and phone.
Inspiration Therapies has also partnered with a new charity called Open Arms Teesside, an organisation set up to provide free counselling and support services to children and families living in deprived areas of Teesside and struggling with the cost of living*.
On top of the therapy and support available from Open Arms, there will also be access to clothing and food parcels, with local schools identifying those most in need.
Chris Kamara MBE, said:
“The partnership with Open Arms Teesside comes at a time when many individuals across Teesside are seeking support. The charity, which is based within Inspiration Therapies, will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of hope and care for those navigating through challenging periods in their lives.”
To get the facility ready to open, over 30 members of the community came together to help, from talented local people painting murals on the walls, to local businesses donating carpets and offering support and others donating furniture, toys and many hours of their time.
These members of the community and volunteers of the charity were invited to the official opening, where they had the opportunity to spend time with, and listen to stories from, former footballer and sports pundit Chris Kamara MBE – who has been vocal in recent years on his own mental health struggles and living with a hidden disability.
Julie McCluskey, founder and one of four therapists at Inspiration Therapies, said: “Our aim is to provide a safe and nurturing space to help children and families work through their difficulties, providing support to process current and past trauma and help them learn tools and coping strategies to manage the here and now more efficiently.
“We’ve had amazing support from the local community, with everyone rallying together to help get the facility ready – it felt a bit like our own Teesside DIY SOS. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped and supported us and a special thank you to Chris Kamara, a great guy, for making the opening day special for us all.”
“We want Inspiration Therapies and Open Arms Teesside to become a valuable community asset, and we welcome you or anyone you know that is struggling to visit us.”
Catherine Furlong, Teesside Park’s centre director, added: “Inspiration Therapies is a unique addition to our centre, offering crucial support services that address the needs of young people within Teesside and beyond. It has been heartwarming to see so many within our local community coming together to help get the space ready for opening. We are proud to be able to play a part in helping to ensure that those who need it most have access to these vital resources.”
British Land, owner and operator of Teesside Park, has provided the space to Inspiration Therapies as part of its affordable spaces initiative which provides high-quality spaces to local community organisations, charities, social enterprises and small businesses at a significant reduction. The facility is situated behind B&M and near to Currys at the centre.
For more information on Inspiration Therapies, or to book a session, visit: Home | Inspiration Services
Last updated Wednesday 29 January, 2025
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