An Ashton-based not-for-profit organisation is marking a decade of helping people with eating disorders and mental health.
AdvertisementS.E.E.D. was founded in 2010 by mental health nurse Shelley Perry following her own battle with an eating disorder.
Shelley, who lives in Ingol, decided to set up the local charity to provide support for people struggling with disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.
After identifying the need for an eating disorder treatment service in Lancashire, Shelley founded Breathe Therapies as the treatment arm of the charity.
Shelley’s aim was to deliver professional treatment and therapy without a waiting list for those suffering with an eating disorder, mental health, weight management and wellbeing.
Over the past ten years, the non-profit organisation has treated over 400 individuals and provided support for their families through support groups, treatment and holistic therapy.
Read more: Lea woman aiming to use her battle with anorexia to help others love themselves
Shelley, who is the Clinical Director of the organisation, said: “I couldn’t begin to fathom just how many people we would help when I started Breathe Therapies ten years ago. But, having my own experience with an eating disorder, I knew it was possible to recover.
“I knew I had to create Breathe Therapies so that we could help others to live their life to the fullest, and not feel trapped by their mental illness.”
Many service users have shown their gratitude to Breathe Therapies and the impact the team has had on their lives.
One mother of a Breathe client said: “We will never forget one of the first meetings our daughter had with Shelley, when Shelley said to her, ‘you can recover’.
“This gave her the hope and belief she so desperately needed, that we all so desperately needed.
“The team at Breathe Therapies never gave up on our daughter’s recovery, even in the most difficult of times, and for that we will always be grateful.”
To celebrate the anniversary, the team at Breathe Therapies is continuing to develop its service to the community, recently launching its Corporate Mental Health and Wellbeing programmes.
Shelley’s vision for the next 10 years for Breathe includes improving accessibility to waiting list-free treatment, educating people about mental health, eating disorders, obesity and wellbeing, and continuing to make people well.
For more information, visit the Breathe Therapies website, email enquiries@breathetherapies.co.uk, or call 01772 915735.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
What do you think of Shelley and Breathe Therapies’ achievements over the past ten years? Let us know in the comments.