BRIDGES Community Centre opened an exciting new facility for Monmouthshire residents affected by long term chronic and debilitative conditions on Wednesday afternoon. Around 30 people including patients, volunteers and therapists were in attendance to welcome the new equipment, and also to enjoy a generous spread laid on, including two large sponge cakes. A generous grant of £2,000 from the Co-Op Pharmacy has enabled the Patient Support Project to purchase three new physiotherapy couches and screens for their Wellbeing Group. These couches will be housed in one of the beautiful spacious rooms in the original wing of the Bridges Centre. This facility will be used by a range of therapists to work more effectively with patients on a one to one basis to help improve their general quality of life. As one of the long term patients commented "I can't wait to get out of my wheelchair and enjoy the full benefit of the treatment the therapists provide". Another client enthused, "Fantastic. At last we can have full treatments on comfortable equipment". Alison Bryan, who provides reflexology, aromatherapy and massage therapy, is delighted with this development, "The benefits the patients receive are amazing. There are various types of treatment that help everyone feel better, in their mind as well as body. This is a calm and relaxing place, with soothing music, which we like to think of as 'our room" she said. The Wellbeing Room was opened by Dr. John Payne, Senior Partner of the Chippenham GP Practice and Medical Director of the Monnow Vale Health and Social Care facility. Before he cut the ribbon, Dr Payne made a short speech where he spoke of his strong approval for the new comforts. "I'm really pleased to see something tangible come out of the workshop" he said. "It's really nice to see this happening. This is just what the town needs - to make patients feel that they matter." Dr. Payne has been involved in the Patient Support project since its beginning in 2001 and has always been a strong supporter of its work. The project is probably unique by putting the individuals who need help at its centre, supported by GPs, Social Services, charities and the voluntary sector. The project coordinator, Amanda Astley-Jones, feels that her project makes a real difference to people's lives and is extremely effective in keeping people active, positive and engaged when they could otherwise become depressed and dependent as a result of their chronic conditions. Amanda also made a brief speech where she thanked all involved for their "fantastic and continuous support in helping patients get on top of their illnesses." Amanda has plans to extend the work she is currently doing into other areas by offering taster days for such groups as carers, volunteers, young carers, MIND and the breast cancer support group, many of whom are also based at Bridges. Mark Walton, Bridges Centre Director, commented "I have been enormously impressed with Amanda's project since joining Bridges and am delighted that this has been recognised by the generous gift from the Co-op Pharmacy which has helped to take the project on to a new dimension. The Wellbeing Room is a fantastic facility in the heart of Bridges and we hope that it will lead to further developments in this field". Bridges continues to do as much as possible to help and support those affected by illness and disability. The new room will also be used by the Breast Cancer Support Group who meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm. Bridges has also recently received a Certificate of Achievement from the Gwent Association of Volunteer Organisations (GAVO) in recognition for services to the people of Monmouth. This highly commended award is in reference to the COMIC club for elderly patients run by volunteers, who provide a selection of entertainment including bingo, and make tea and biscuits for those attending.