Life Change Changes Lives
Life Change Changes Lives (LCCL) is a community which embraces a positive and optimistic attitude towards life. It supports people struggling with poor mental health and addiction. It builds social connectivity and re-affirms self-esteem.
Talking helps, listening heals
Fundamental to the LCCL community is the nurturing environment where members can talk openly about their emotions and personal struggles and, in doing so, become more self-aware and identify solutions to their problems without judgement or criticism. Within this diverse community, differing perspectives serve to strengthen the bond between members and shared experiences provide comfort and reassurance.
To complement the supportive environment, members can also access one to one counselling from trained professionals.
Members’ improvements in mental wellbeing are demonstrated by increased positive thinking, lower stress levels, reduced fear & anxiety and greater levels of happiness.
Creative expression and revival
Creative activities have long been recognised for their therapeutic benefits. Mindful engagement allows the participant to unwind, fostering a positive mental space and a genuine connection to the living environment. LCCL offers members to the opportunity to engage in furniture upcycling, transforming discarded furniture into one-of-a-kind, personalised masterpieces.
In giving new life and purpose to furniture that was otherwise destined for landfill, members are also rebuilt and renewed. The sale of finished products through the Pop Up Art social enterprise, provides much needed funds for the LCCL community as well as enhancing the self-esteem and social wellbeing of the creator.
“The key to the happy life, it seems, is the good life: a life with sustained relationships, challenging work, and connections to community.” – Paul Bloom
Re-imagining Futures
Every newly fashioned piece of furniture sold by LCCL has a unique history. It may begin with its origins in poor mental health and addiction but it is also a tangible reminder of the recovery journey.
Physical improvements recorded by members cite reductions in the incidence of self-harm, reduced reliance on medication and a reduction in suicide ideations.
A Creative Collective
A Community with Purpose
Social connection and interaction, being one of the strongest predictors of wellbeing and impact on mental health, underpins the LCCL community.
Participation in walking groups, social outings to broaden experiences and interests, community lunches, group training opportunities and engagement with a range of other organisations support members to rekindle their hope and passion for life and overcome the stigma of mental ill health.
Other partners who are making a difference
Identifying the right network of dedicated and ambitious partners has enabled us to deliver on our charitable purposes and activities. Here are just some of the life-changing projects that our grant partners have been involved in.
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Belfast Lough Sailability
Sailing is one of the few sports in which able-bodied sailors and sailors with disabilities can participate on equal terms.
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The Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation
Philanthropic support is helping to make Queen’s University Belfast and Northern Ireland a world leader in medical research, education and patient care.
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Think Malawi
Think Malawi supports sustainable, grassroots projects in Malawi which help improve life outcomes for underserved children and young Malawians through access to education.