Aurora Wellbeing Centre is a truly special part of the Worksop community, offering free, life-changing support to individuals and families affected by cancer. Based within the beautifully restored Old Library and Museum Building in the town centre, Aurora provides a safe, welcoming and non-clinical environment where people can access both emotional and physical support during some of the most challenging times in their lives.
Founded in 2002, Aurora was established with a simple but powerful vision – to create a space where those affected by cancer could feel supported, understood and less alone. Originally operating from a small room within Doncaster Royal Infirmary, the charity was founded by Lynne Rothwell, Val Lepedat and Denise Dunn, who recognised that many patients and their families struggled to share their fears and emotions following a diagnosis. What began as an NHS-based initiative has since grown into an independent charity, becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2016.
The Worksop centre, developed in 2011 under the leadership of Debra Fores, marked a significant step forward for Aurora. Through successful funding bids, including support from National Lottery Heritage Funding, the historic building has been transformed into a vibrant and inclusive community hub. Today, it not only supports those living with cancer but also welcomes the wider community through its tearoom charity shop and accessible wellbeing spaces.
At the heart of Aurora’s work is its personalised approach to care. Each individual is supported based on their own experience, from their diagnosis and treatment through to the emotional impact it may have. Referrals are typically made through GPs or cancer services, and from there, tailored support packages are created to meet each person’s needs. This can include counselling, emotional wellbeing support, financial guidance through organisations such as Citizens Advice, and access to a range of therapies.
Importantly, Aurora’s support extends beyond the individual. Families, partners, friends and even children are included in the journey, ensuring that no one feels isolated. The centre offers specialist services such as children’s art therapy, helping young people process their emotions in a safe and creative way.
The Worksop site is home to a dedicated team of counsellors, therapists and wellbeing practitioners who are passionate about what they do. Services are designed to rebuild confidence, support mental health and offer moments of calm and normality. Cancer patients are entitled to several complimentary treatments, including massages and nail care, delivered by a highly skilled and compassionate beauty team who go above and beyond to make individuals feel cared for. Families are also able to access selected treatments, ensuring support is shared across the whole network of loved ones.
Wellbeing at Aurora also includes physical health, with access to an on-site gym and a programme of classes such as yoga, tai chi and chair-based exercise, all of which are open to the general public, too. Nutritional advice and fitness guidance further support individuals in regaining strength and confidence at their own pace.
While Aurora’s primary focus is cancer support, an important message the charity is keen to share is that the Worksop centre is open to everyone. The on-site ‘Valerie’s Tearoom’, open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm, offers a welcoming space for the public to enjoy a drink, a bite to eat and the peaceful surroundings, including outdoor seating where visitors can even feed the ducks. The newly opened charity shop, with thanks to Notts County Council Local Communities Fund, is open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 4pm, is another way the community can engage with and support the charity. In addition, members of the public can book treatments, with proceeds directly helping to fund free services for those going through cancer.
Aurora’s impact is perhaps best reflected in the stories of those it has supported. One such story is that of Chloe, a single mother who accessed Aurora’s services during her cancer journey. Through the support she received, both emotionally and practically, Chloe was able to navigate an incredibly difficult time and has since made a full recovery. During her time at Aurora, she formed strong friendships with others going through similar experiences – connections that continue today, with regular meet-ups at the centre’s café. Stories like Chloe’s highlight the lasting sense of community and belonging that Aurora creates.
Creativity also plays a powerful role in Aurora’s approach. Counsellors Claire and Beth have led a number of workshops designed to help individuals express and process their experiences. One particularly moving project, themed around Alice in Wonderland, invited participants to create mixed-media t-shirts representing who they were before and after their cancer diagnosis. These sessions provided a space to reflect on loss, identity and resilience, while also building lasting friendships among those involved.
Aurora Wellbeing Centre continues to evolve, always looking for new ways to meet the needs of its community. From wellbeing programmes and therapeutic support to social spaces and events, the centre stands as a testament to what compassionate, community-led care can achieve.
Aurora Wellbeing Centre can be found at The Old Library & Museum Building, Memorial Avenue, Worksop. To get in touch, call 01909 470985 or email admin@aurorawellbeing.org.uk.