A COMMUNITY-based charity has received funding to provide free healthy living and holistic services to 14 rural villages.

Ash-worth Time Bank in Ashton Hayes has been handed a three-year Big Lottery grant to deliver the weekly and monthly sessions.

Ash-worth Rural Wellbeing will cover topics including healthy eating, the importance of exercise, counselling, reflexology, aromatherapy, reiki, and Indian head massage.

Transport will be organised for less mobile residents and home-based sessions will be available for the housebound and their carers.

There will also be an exchange for holistic therapists who give their time freely to come together on a regular basis.

Project and grants manager Susan Ross-Turner said: “Our Rural Wellbeing project aims to make a real difference to the lives of older people, long term older unemployed, single parents and unpaid carers.

“Our project will encourage people to take control of their personal well being, participate and learn about the benefits of healthier lifestyles, and receive free advice and information on a range of available holistic therapies available, as well as coming along to friendly social groups and events.

“We have extended our offices in Ashton Hayes to include a private room for one-to-one help and advice, computer training and help with CVs and letter writing.

“This is an exciting project and I do hope other organisations will work with us to improve the lives of rural people.”

For more information, call Susan Ross-Turner on 01829 751398 or email ash-worthtime@hotmail.co.uk.