Published: 16/08/2022
Sun, smiles, and support were the order of the day for more than 750 people on Friday, August 12.
The Social Prescribing Health and Wellbeing Festival brought the community together for family fun.
From a vibrant colour run, to chair aerobics and animal therapy, visitors of all ages enjoyed an array of activities, for free, at the Whitehaven Rugby League Club and Stadium.
Alongside the fun outdoors, families also accessed vital wellbeing support by talking to professionals from more than 25 local groups and services.
Free ice cream and hot meal vouchers were handed out to festival-goers – helping families to enjoy a day out without worrying about the expense.
The event was organised by our Social Inclusion team, and delivered in partnership with the Box Encapsulation Plant Delivery Team (BEPDT) - comprising Jacobs, Balfour Beatty, and Sellafield Ltd.
The festival was also supported by Rosehill Theatre, Cumbria County Council, and the Copeland Community Fund.
Councillor Andy Pratt, Copeland’s Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The success of this event is all thanks to the groups, services, partners, and funders, that made the day possible.
“The feedback from Copeland’s residents has been fantastic, with people of all ages expressing how much they enjoyed the festival.
“We hope that it has helped inform visitors of all the fantastic wellbeing support available in the borough.”
Cath Melvin, Project Wellbeing Coordinator for BEPDT, said: “The team are absolutely delighted at how well-received the day was. The hard work from all involved resulted in a fantastic event.
“There were smiles and laughter from start to finish, and we are extremely honoured to have played a part in it.”
Our Social Inclusion team ran the event in line with its Social Prescribing work, which helps residents to access important health and wellbeing services.
To find out more about the event, contact the Social Prescribing team at social.prescribing@copeland.gov.uk.
