Local community leaders, trustees and others associated with the successful cancer charity gathered in the centre's stunning home within Worksop's former library on April 13, to witness the ribbon to the new-look charity shop cut by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Peter Emerson.
The charity supports individuals affected by cancer and long-term health conditions through a holistic approach to care, and its wide ranging support offers services from counselling, support groups, creative and heritage activities, to exercise, nutrition, beauty and holistic therapy treatments.
There is great integration within the building, with members of the community welcomed in along with those who have had cancer diagnoses of both short and long-term duration.
Along with the spacious, refreshed charity shop is a re-homed and refurbished gymnasium, for both people with cancer and the local community to use.
Made possible by a £19,999 grant from the Local Communities Fund, provided by Nottinghamshire County Council, the relaunched charity shop provides much-needed funding for Aurora's work, while providing affordable goods for the community, and volunteering opportunities.
Volunteer Mick Sissons, a qualified electrician, can service and safety-check donated electrical goods that would otherwise need to be turned away from the shop.
There’s a great selection of clothes, books, children’s toys, ornaments and soft furnishings to choose from, all beautifully displayed.
The centre is also home to the Heritage Hub, and the inviting Valerie’s Tearoom with its lovely views over Canch Park.
Chief Executive Dee Sissons joined Aurora two years ago, after previously running a children's hospice, because it 'tugged at her heartstrings'.
She said that the charity moves forward in line with the changing world, adding: "there are so many more people now requiring support, including those who have cancer, and other members of the local community.
"This is the only place I know that intertwines care with nostalgia on pathways to recovery," she said, adding that she saw her job as "making sure we are here for people in 25 or 50 years to come".
One in two people are now affected by cancer, and support groups at Aurora host people who were diagnosed 15 or 20 years ago, along with those who are new to the service, and their families, she added.
Bassetlaw MP Jo White, who was present at the reopening, said Aurora is "such an important charity, as you can never know when someone you know will be hit by cancer, and new challenges mean it is having to find new ways of making money".
Nottinghamshire County Councillor Dawn Justice, cabinet member for Communities and Public Health, also praised the initiative.
She said: “Aurora does such fantastic work supporting those affected by cancer and long-term health conditions and we are proud to help financially support them via the Local Communities Fund.
"This new-look, refurbished charity shop is a fantastic asset to the community.”
Ian Hall, Chair of Trustees of Aurora, and CEO Dee Sissons addressed those who attended the reopening ceremony.
Mr Hall said he was “incredibly proud of what has been created through partnership, community and shared purpose”, and welcomed “this new and exciting chapter for Aurora Wellbeing Services”.
The reopening highlights Aurora Wellbeing’s ongoing commitment to supporting individuals and families across Bassetlaw, ensuring that no-one has to face the challenges of cancer or long-term health conditions alone.
5. Aurora Wellbeing Centre, Worksop
Retail manager at Aurora Wellbeing Centre, Naomi Jamieson Photo: S. Burton
6. Aurora Wellbeing Centre, Worksop
The new look charity shop at Aurora, Worksop. Photo: S. Burton
7. Aurora Wellbeing Centre, Worksop
Another section of the impressive charity shop at Aurora. Photo: S. Burton
8. Aurora Wellbeing Centre, Worksop
The gym at Aurora has a new home with much more space. Photo: S. Burton