Sisters Paige Coyle and Fallon Taylor, along with their friend Kayleigh Cunningham, are crowdfunding to open a free wellness and mental health sanctuary near Solihull. The Gaia Roots Foundation aims to create a 'safe, nature-based space' where children, young people, families, and adults facing challenges can access support, healing, and connection.
From Workshops to a Permanent Sanctuary
The foundation already offers free workshops and wellness activities across Birmingham, helping people manage stress and combat isolation and anxiety. Now, they plan to buy a 500-year-old farmhouse set within three acres of land near Solihull to create a permanent home for their work.
A Legacy for the Community
Fallon Taylor, a former conveyancer from Balsall Common and mother of three, said: 'This is about creating a lasting legacy for the community. We want it to be a place where preventative mental health support, wellbeing, education, therapeutic activities and nature can come together under one roof.' The sisters envision the UK's first fully immersive mental health eco wellness retreat sanctuary.
History of Healing
The farmhouse, located just outside Shirley, has a rich history. During World War II, it housed child evacuees. Paige Coyle, a former nurse from Berkswell and mother of two, noted: 'We think that's a lovely correlation - that it supported children during war and will support children again with the war on mental health now.'
Sustainable Foundations
The current owners have cultivated the land for 30 years, making it fully self-sufficient and sustainable. They rear animals, butcher meat, and grow fruit, vegetables, and herbs. The sisters have partnered with them to launch a capital appeal to raise £1.8 million to purchase the property.
Free Services for All
All services provided by the Gaia Roots Foundation at the sanctuary will be free. 'Mental health is not a gift, it is a right to feel well and it should be at the core of schools and workplaces because it's the root of all issues,' said Paige. The sisters are contacting companies, running marathons, and seeking donations to reach their goal.
How to Support
Donations can be made via their Crowdfunder page. The foundation also has an Instagram page for updates. The sisters hope the sanctuary will benefit the local community, youth services, and people across the West Midlands and beyond.
