Where can you write a song, play rugby, get benefits advice and join the circus all in one day? At Cumberland Council’s free Health and Wellbeing Festival this summer.
The council’s social prescribing team will once again host this fantastic family festival on Friday, August 16. Dozens of partner organisations will attend the event at Whitehaven Rugby League Club’s Recreation Ground, on Coach Road in Whitehaven.
The family-friendly Health and Wellbeing Festival, now in its fourth year, runs from 10am until 3pm, and there are a huge amount of attractions.
As well as all the free fun, there will be lots of support and information from wellbeing services.
Attractions include bouncy castles, a climbing wall, a fun run with Marathon Man Gary McKee, face painting, drumming sessions, and craft activities.
People can join a dance session or have a go at qigong, a traditional Chinese form of meditation.
As well as workshops in rugby and song writing, there will be circus performers and other street entertainment.
Youngsters might like to meet representatives from the police and fire and rescue services, who will be there with their vehicles.
There will also be a huge range of organisations on hand to offer support with a range of issues including finances, loneliness, mental and physical wellbeing and much more.
There will be some free food and drink for children, while stocks last. Other food suppliers will be there on the day. Families are invited to bring a picnic blanket as there will be space to relax.
A full timetable of events will be available on the day, and more will be revealed on the council’s social media channels as the event approaches.
Colin Cox, the council's Director of Public Health and Communities, said: “Our mission as a council is to offer every opportunity for people to achieve better health and wellbeing.
“Our social prescribing team do that throughout the year by helping people find support services and activities that can directly impact their lives.
“The Health and Wellbeing Festival is a fun opportunity to bring that right into the heart of the community. The whole day is free too, so it is a great chance to have some family time without breaking the bank.”
The Health and Wellbeing Festival is sponsored by the Box Encapsulation Plant (BEP) project at Sellafield.
Catherine Melvin, Project Wellbeing Advisor at BEP, said: “This is the third year that we have been involved in the festival and we’re hugely proud of the work we do.
“Everyone was blown away by last year’s success so we are excited for what this year will bring! We have increased our commitment in a number of ways and are confident that it will have direct impact on the number of people we can help as a result.
“From a project perspective, our people are fundamental to our success but what we do can be a challenge. Being so closely involved with the partnership means we have a complete set of tools and the knowledge to support the health and wellbeing of our people when they need it.”
Tracey West, Senior Social Impact Manager at Sellafield Ltd, said: "Partnering with local authorities and experts to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities is a key focus of our social impact approach. Events like these assist our communities to thrive by learning about what support is out there whilst having a fun day out for all the family. I am looking forward to another successful festival this year and the chance to highlight what services are available for people."
Emma Moynihan, Fund Manager at Copeland Community Fund, said: “Copeland Community Fund have been a majority funder, supporting the work of the social prescribing team, since its inception in November 2021. Improving the health and wellbeing of the local community is a key priority for Copeland Community Fund, so we are delighted to see the support given has enabled the Health and Wellbeing Festival to go from strength to strength. Now in its fourth year, the festival offers local residents and families the opportunity to access many of the local support services available to them whilst enjoying a fun packed day.”
Other event partners include Rosehill, the Copeland Wellness Service and Active Cumbria. The social prescribing project is funded by Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Multiplied fund, and the Copeland Community Fund.
Social prescribing helps people improve their health and wellbeing by connecting them with community groups, activities or services. This can stop issues becoming medical concerns further down the line. The team can signpost people to these services - email social.prescribing@cumberland.gov.uk to find out more.
Residents can also use the online directory of local support, services and activities themselves.