Review: Infinite Wellbeing CIC

The moment you step into Infinite Wellbeing, it’s very likely that you’ll be struck by the buzz of the various community groups and other customers chatting at their café tables, the smell of the delicious array of homemade cakes, the smiles of the staff who greet you from behind the counter, and the distant sound of children having fun in the play space beyond.

The place is a bit of everything. In the best kind of way. It’s an organisation that truly serves its community to an extent that few others do. And it seems that directors Rebecca and Helen have endless creative ideas for new groups and opportunities they can offer. In fact, pretty much every time I think I’ve got a full list of upcoming events for the magazine, I discover they’ve added more!

As the name suggests, mental health and wellbeing are top of the agenda and the broad range of groups on offer are designed to reach and support all different parts of the local community. Initially these were provided in schools and community buildings but in 2023 they secured a 5-year lease on the Heanor premises. Recently, they’ve also opened a Treatment Room, also in Heanor. A key part of the vision is that sessions are made accessible and affordable to all. To play is only £6 per family and there’s even a ‘pay it forward’ scheme in operation in the café. I actually asked for the total cost of my bill to be checked last time I went since it seemed impossibly cheap!

We pop in every two months with a fresh stack of Boom magazines which gives my girls an opportunity to play and me the chance to enjoy a hot drink and a slice of cake. The play space is huge with tables in the middle, imaginative play stations along the edges, a dark den at the far end, a book corner, a sensory table and a large baby zone. Everything is in good condition, kept clean and is updated periodically so that it’s not always the same. One thing I particularly love is the fact that there’s always a member of staff in the room facilitating play, meaning that if you do just want to sit for a little while with your brew, you can.

Every term time weekday, there are three different sessions running which add a little extra diversity and interest to the free play time. There’s messy play, rhyme time and fit and fun (equipment is set out by SEN-Fit for children to use). These are at 10am, 11am and 1pm, though the order varies, and are included in the entry price. On a Monday morning, there's now a mums and babies singing group too! The little touches all help too: where else has a mobile above and some little mirrors next to the baby changing table as well as emergency nappies and wipes?

During the holidays, they put on lots for children too, for example themed fun days, science Wednesdays, Make-It Mondays and movie afternoons on Fridays. And in term time, there’s an Ofsted registered after school club for 4-11s.

Young people are catered for well. There are drop-in sessions aiming to reduce antisocial behaviour in the area. This has already had great impact and some young people are now volunteering at the centre. New premises in Langley Mill will host a more extensive youth provision including courses and qualifications, as well as a Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for primary and secondary-aged children. 

It's not all about the kids though: provision for adults is varied and there’s something for everyone. Book club, Coffee and Crochet, yoga, Pilates, dance, Tai Chi, ladies only circuits, singing groups and parent meet-ups all feature on the timetable too. Recently there was a wellbeing day for parents and carers of children and adults with autism featuring yoga, relaxation, crafts and food. One of our Boom Buddy mums attended and had a brilliant time. Infinite Wellbeing also hosts SEN-Fit parent and carer support groups, SEN-Fit neurodiverse support groups, as well as domestic violence and legal advice drop-ins.

They also offer three different spaces in the building for hire for anything from children’s parties to classes to dances.

You see what I mean about them thinking of everyone and everything! I honestly don’t know how the team have the energy for it all!

What an incredible organisation for us all to have access to! Thank you, Rebecca and Helen, for all you do for the Amber Valley community.

I’ll leave you with this inspiring little section from Infinite Wellbeing's website:

A huge warm welcome to you!

Our aim is to create a safe space with something for the whole community to enjoy.

At Infinite Wellbeing, we know that having a good support network is vital - we certainly rely on ours and we wouldn't be where we are without the support of lots of amazing people.

We all go through difficult times in our lives. Having a strong support network makes a huge difference in helping you cope and get through those tough times.

A strong support network…

💚 Helps you cope with stress and difficult life events

💚 Provides you with a sense of belonging and connection

💚 Gives you someone to talk to about your problems

💚 Helps you make decisions

💚 Provides you with practical help, such as childcare or transport

💚 Helps you stay motivated and on track

💚 Is always there for a laugh and a chat

How do you find that strong support network?

Joining groups with like-minded people is a great start. You can find a huge variety of groups:

💚 People from your area

💚 People at the same stage in life as you, such as parents or retirees

💚 People with the same interests as you, such as craft or cooking

💚 People who are going through the similar struggles as you, such as mental health issues or being a carer

💚 Or simply other people who love cake and a cuppa!

If you want to find that group who lift you up and cheer you on, come along to Infinite Wellbeing's Community Centre. Come and join us for a cuppa and a chat.