Published: 26/08/2021
WHITEHAVEN’S first Social Prescribing Wellbeing Festival has been hailed a resounding success.
Visitors flocked from across the borough to attend the festival led by Copeland Borough Council.
The event was held yesterday (August 25) at Whitehaven Rugby League Club, Coach Road.
Thirty organisations came together to provide advice, guidance and activities to improve people’s health and wellbeing.
Workshops on offer focused on suicide awareness, mindfulness, assertiveness and keeping yourself well, advice for over 18s who are unemployed, energy advice and how to keep your home cosy this winter.
Emergency services were on hand to provide popular interactive sessions around alcohol awareness, fire safety and emergency first aid.
In addition there was also mini health MOTs, fun skills sessions with Whitehaven Rugby League players, a climbing wall, 'bounce' sessions, archery, other outdoor activities and a craft corner for children.
Damian Skillen, 37, of Whitehaven said: “Fantastic set up and very friendly staff running the event.
“There was plenty of information about the support networks we have locally, encouraging people to be proactive and get out the door.
“My little girl, aged 5, had a fantastic time in the fire engine and on the climbing wall - she won herself a medal at archery too.”
Emma Williamson, Social Inclusion Team Leader, Copeland Borough Council, said: “Events like these are really important to showcase the services on offer in the community.
“There is a wealth of resources available to those in need, and the festival offered residents the chance to find out what is available, and to take part in activities to improve their health and wellbeing.
“It was great to see so many people join us and enjoy the climbing wall, mini rugby, archery and bounce sessions and a whole range of advice and guidance was provided by professionals and volunteers.
“We’d like to thank everyone who helped make the festival happen, and all those that came along to support the event, and we hope to host similar events with the community in future.”
The festival was hosted by Copeland Council’s Social Prescribing team in partnership with Cumbria County Council, the Social Prescribing NHS Copeland Locality team and Active Cumbria.
The event was sponsored by Well Whitehaven, a project aimed at improving the lives of those living in the Mirehouse, Corkickle and Snebro community.
Attendees of the event are invited to provide feedback via an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/S8WB8QG
