Popular Northampton shopping centre wins diversity and inclusion award for well-renowned wellbeing groups
“We started with nothing”
A popular Northampton shopping centre has won a prestigious award for its well-renowned wellbeing groups, which have had a positive impact on people of all ages across the town.
Weston Favell Shopping Centre was awarded diversity and inclusion scheme of the year at the Retail Destination SCEPTRE Awards 2026, which is a huge achievement given the number of entries from across the UK.
Anna Austin, who works for Emmanuel Church as a community support worker, has been running the wellbeing groups for around three-and-a-half years and started from the ground up.
The Wellness at Weston groups have grown from helping four people to more than 150 with the support of centre manager Kevin Legg and his team at Weston Favell Shopping Centre, through donations, advertising and awareness in particular.
The first group that Anna runs is called ‘singing for the soul’ every Tuesday from 1pm until 2.15pm, and there is a waiting list for this session. It is popular among people with dementia, their loved ones, elderly individuals and young adults with learning disabilities.
This is a way to get people together, singing for fun and socialising, and many have formed strong connections so they go for lunch together before coming along on a Tuesday.
The monthly memory cafe, hosted from 12.30pm until 2pm on the fourth Monday of each month, is aimed at those living with dementia and their loved ones. Memory matters also runs once a month from 12.30pm until 2pm on the third Monday of each month, for those with early onset dementia or newly diagnosed.
The stay active and smile social group for seniors is held once a month, with a focus on a different activity each time and the opportunity to socialise over tea, biscuits and cake. This takes place on the second Monday of the month from 12.30pm until 2pm.
Other activities include a weekly games group on Mondays from 10am until 12pm, and a crafting group on Wednesdays from 10.30am until 12pm. All the sessions take place within the sports hall at Emmanuel Church, with free parking available at Weston Favell Shopping Centre.
The honesty library was also included as part of Weston Favell Shopping Centre’s award entry, and they were up against 33 shopping centres before being shortlisted among the final eight and eventually took the top spot.
“Everybody was so happy we were recognised for what we’ve achieved,” said Anna. “We started with nothing. A recently widowed lady told us she is going through a hard time but knows she is always going to smile on a Tuesday.
“Another gentleman with Alzheimer's said that some days he doesn’t feel it’s worth getting up, and coming to groups gives him a purpose in the morning. This feedback and winning the award means so much to us, I can’t explain it.
“The main thing for me is bringing people together who might otherwise be lonely at home and to give them a purpose. If they find themselves in a sad situation, we want to help them.”
Anna hopes to continue growing the offering under Wellness at Weston, particularly to support individuals with dementia and their carers.
For more information on Weston Favell Shopping Centre and its award-winning wellbeing offering, visit their website here.