FREE family entertainment and vital wellbeing services were enjoyed by hundreds of residents in Whitehaven.
Cumberland Council’s Health and Wellbeing Festival was held at The Recreation Ground on Friday (August 16). Hosted by the council’s Social Prescribing team, it offered crafts, attractions, sporting activities and expert advice on a host of health, wellbeing and family issues.
More than 1,500 people came through the gates – with around 600 youngsters enjoying free food and ice cream. Almost 70 organisations attended, and 17 different activities were offered – all at no cost to families.
Cllr Lisa Brown, Cumberland’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Adults and Community Health, said: “This event is now in its fourth year and it’s always been a great success. I’m delighted we’ve again been able to offer a festival that supports our core priority – the health and wellbeing of residents.
“Our Social Prescribing team's ethos is one of improving people’s wellbeing with interests, activities and advice – rather than these issues leading to health problems later on. And that’s exactly what the festival does – people could get some food, a bit of physical activity, something for the children to do, plus expert advice from support organisations.”
Uniformed services were there to meet the crowds and visitors also enjoyed a colour run with Marathon Man Gary McKee, bouncy castles, a climbing wall, face painting, drumming sessions, and craft activities.
Families tried their hand at circus skills, rugby, song writing and meditation. Advisors helped with issues such as loneliness, mental health, financial hardship and benefits.
The Health and Wellbeing Festival is sponsored by the Box Encapsulation Plant (BEP) project at Sellafield.
Catherine Melvin, Project Wellbeing Advisor at BEP, said: “From start to finish, there was a buzz of electricity around the event. From the moment the gates opened until the last stragglers begrudgingly left, there was the non-stop sound of children’s’ laughter as families played together in the beautiful August sunshine - which we ordered in especially.
"We may never know the true ripple effect caused by something as simple as picking up a leaflet, having a five minute chat or browsing a service provider’s information stand. What we do know is that we touched the lives of the 1,550 people who attended the event."
The Social Prescribing project is funded by Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Multiplied fund, and the Copeland Community Fund.
Tracey West, Senior Social Impact Manager at Sellafield Ltd, said: "Highlighting the services available for our local community is what this event helps to achieve, whilst having fun in the meantime. It enables people to self-refer and reach out for the help they may need."
Emma Moynihan, Fund Manager at Copeland Community Fund, said: “Improving the health and wellbeing of the community is a key priority for Copeland Community Fund - so we were delighted to see the support given made the fourth Health and Wellbeing Festival bigger and better than ever.
"We were overjoyed to see so many local support services in attendance, but most importantly, to see the number of families who came along to enjoy a sunny, fun packed day and engage with those offering support.”
Other event partners included Rosehill, the Copeland Wellness Service and Active Cumbria.
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.