The Owl Centre Charity is thrilled to announce it has received vital funding from Postcode Community Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, to launch two innovative, community-focused mental health programmes across the UK.
The two new initiatives – “Grandparenting Differently” and “Power Over Pain” – will provide much-needed support to families and individuals facing complex emotional and health-related challenges.
Supporting Neurodiverse Families: Grandparenting Differently
This pilot programme will offer tailored support to grandparents and extended family members of neurodivergent children, recognising that many caregivers may not have the tools or confidence to support their families effectively.
Through a series of workshops and group sessions, The Owl Centre aims to equip caregivers with practical knowledge of neurodiversity, communication strategies, and emotional resilience—ultimately improving outcomes for whole families.
“Modern grandparenting looks very different today,” said Nicola Lathey, Owner at The Owl Centre. “This programme helps bridge the gap between love and understanding—empowering families to support neurodivergent children in meaningful, informed ways.”
Tackling Pain & Medication Dependency: Power Over Pain
The second funded initiative, “Power Over Pain,” is a community-based psychoeducation programme designed to reduce opiate use and polypharmacy, while supporting mental wellbeing and social connection.
The programme blends brain-based education, trauma-informed care, and peer-led support to help individuals better understand the connection between chronic pain, emotional stress, and medication use. Participants will gain tools to manage pain holistically, build resilience, and reduce dependency on prescription drugs.
“Opiates and overmedication often mask deeper issues like emotional pain and isolation,” said Ben Sims, physiotherapist. “Power Over Pain offers people a compassionate alternative grounded in neuroscience, community, and empowerment.”
Both Grandparenting Differently and Power Over Pain reflect The Owl Centre’s mission to improve mental health and emotional wellbeing across the UK. These programmes place people at the centre of their own recovery and caregiving journeys.
