A CHARITY which has been dedicated to supporting the community for over 24 years has launched a 'cheeky' fundraiser to help develop its newly acquired home.

Next Steps Mental Health Resource Centre, based in Norton, recently bought the charity's home in Norton after the property was put up for sale.

The vision is to create a vibrant, 24-hour well-being hub in the building, open seven days a week. This hub will serve as a unifying platform, bringing together local networking agencies and community groups under one roof.

Next Steps chief officer, Leisa Burniston, said: "Along with our volunteers, staff, members, and trustees, we decided to raise awareness of the services we deliver while raising a smile with our " Guys/Gals" Calendar and some much-needed cash to complete our vision of the "Wellness hub".

"Everyone involved has had a great time making this calendar and has been on board with the concept of the "calendar girls" and our take on it.

"One of our member's friends, Elise Garland, offered to take the pictures for free to support the charity. Elsie takes photographs as a hobby and has produced fabulous pictures for us.

"Each month showcases one of our projects, such as "Men in Sheds" and "Down to Earth" - our gardening projects, arts and crafts, walk and talk sessions and many more to fill the calendar.

"Local businesses, councils, the Lions, Ryedale Foodbank etc, have been absolutely amazing in sponsoring us monthly. We feel very proud to have had so much support.

"The local Handy Mag in Malton has produced the calendar at a reduced cost and sponsored one of the months. We have some fabulous months to showcase our services in the calendar that will hopefully bring a giggle and a smile to those who buy it."

Leisa said everyone had been so kind supporting the charity.

"Our vision is to create a vibrant, 24-hour well-being hub in our new building, open seven days a week. This hub will serve as a unifying platform, bringing together local networking agencies and community groups under one roof. It’s about fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for all.

"Located conveniently near bus and train stations, with a free car park opposite, our building is situated in the prime place. Our goal now is to raise funds to transform this space into an inspirational and inclusive hub for our community. We want to open our doors to other local groups and charities, offering them the opportunity to work within our building at an affordable rent, all for the betterment of our community.

"We envision the building as a hub of support and empowerment, offering evening classes, family support sessions, safe spaces, meeting rooms, and prayer rooms, all nestled around our community café. Additionally, we provide essential services such as washing, drying, and shower facilities, one-on-one support, and access to our IT Suite, ensuring that our services reach every corner of rural Ryedale."

Leisa added: "Keep an eye out for our upcoming fundraisers to help us reach the next stage of our refurbishment journey. With everyone's support, we can turn this dream into a reality. Let’s collaborate to create a space that will truly make a difference in the lives of many.

If you would like to fundraise or support us please contact us on 01653 690854 or email at mail@nextstepsryedale.co.uk

The calendars are available from all of venues: Norton Next Steps( 7 Church Street, Norton, 9-3 pm Mon-Friday), Pickering Next Steps ( Hungate centre Thursdays 9 am-2 pm), Kirkbymoorside Next Steps( Methodist church Wednesdays, 9 am-3 pm), and Helmsley Next Steps( Ryecourt complex Friday 10-2 pm), or can be sent out with added postage.