The Tree of Life Centre currently operates from Greenbrow Road, Newall Green. The roots of the Tree of Life are its Community Shop, which was established in 1984 through the collection of unwanted furniture through a partner church – The Wilmslow United Reformed Church – that was sold at locally affordable rates in St. Mark's United Reformed Church hall. Thus began a church and community project, which has since grown and developed in response to the needs of the community in which it is located. In 1996, the health awareness and promotion elements of the Centre were sprouted. By January 2002, both the community shop and the community health and well-being services were brought together under a management committee as the Tree of Life Centre, as a standalone charity. In 2010, having secured funding from The Big Lottery Fund, we opened our second branch in the Newall Green area of Wythenshawe. Formerly a primary school, the Greenbrow Road site has transformed to become a second furniture re-use shop and centre for the local community, with its own café and foyer area signposting information from the NHS, Manchester City Council, and advisory services. Our cafes are open the entirety of shop hours, serving breakfast from 10:00am to 12:00pm and lunch from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, when we close. Menus change on a weekly basis, but favourite menu options include roast dinner, lasagne, jacket potatoes, beefburgers, curries, and salads. Each meal is prepared by a qualified chef and priced under £3.00. Our centre also host a variety of social groups, from Tai Chi and crafts to complementary therapy and mental health drop-ins. Additionally, we have an computer room for use by all members of the public. For more information, phone 0161 489 7018 or email [email protected]. The majority of people working for the Tree of Life do so voluntarily and we are always happy to welcome more members to the team. Training and lunches are provided, and travel expenses paid for, so please contact our volunteer co-ordinator on 0161 489 7018 for Greenbrow if you are interested.
