A CHARITY which helps women in York is hosting a special feel-good event this week.

Kyra is run by women to help women who have suffered personal problems, including domestic abuse, and is based in the Central Methodist Church in St Saviourgate.

The charity is run by volunteers who give their time outside of work to lead events or classes, and supported about 180 women last year.

On Saturday a one-day ‘Festival of Wellbeing’ called Kyra-Hygge will be held at the church between 10am and 4pm.

Lis Barton, from the charity said the event is based around the Danish concept of Hygge (pronounced ‘hue-guh’), a feeling that comes from taking pleasure in making ordinary moments feel special.

Lis said: “It all started when we got together in a York coffee shop back in January. Kyra had saved the date to hold an as yet unspecified event as part of York International Women’s Festival.

“Over the cappuccinos, Jasmine had the brilliant idea of using ‘Hygge’ as the theme for a one day festival of wellbeing to promote and fundraise for Kyra Women’s Project. Hygge is a trendy Danish concept which is about comfort and cosiness and fits very well with Kyra. Think hot chocolate, candlelight and snuggling into a warm blanket in the glow of a log fire.”

The project was set up by volunteers Lis, Anett Stefanik, Deidre Skae and Kyra trustee Sarah Leighton, together with Kyra volunteer and CVS Ways to Wellbeing coordinator, Jasmine Howard.

More than 20 participants will be on hand to offer therapies, feel good products, music, comfort food and relaxing activities.

Free hot chocolate will be offered to anyone arriving by bicycle, and the event is mainly ‘pay as you feel’, to ensure it is accessible to all.

To find out more about the event search for KyraHygge on Facebook or Twitter, or visit the Kyra website kyra.org.uk