Activities to enable healthier mind at special community event

Activities and attractions ranging from pilates, poetry and crafts are just some of the offerings taking place to encourage people to support their emotional wellbeing at the upcoming Healthier Minds Festival.

The Festival, which is taking place on Thursday 5 May between 10am and 5pm at Telford Cultural and Leisure Centre in Hadley, will be an opportunity for people from a range of diverse backgrounds living in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to find out how they can access mental health services in the county.

Community leaders, NHS teams and stallholders from a range of organisations will be on-hand to meet community members and discuss with them what is working well and also find out reasons why they might not be coming forward and making contact with services.

The event is aiming to bring communities from across the local area together, as well as establish whether there are any cultural barriers, which make accessing services more challenging.

One of the event’s key partners is Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Council, who are helping support and raise awareness of the aims of the Festival.

Speaking ahead of the event, Councillor Raj Mehta, Chair of Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Council, said: “The Interfaith Council are pleased to be working with local partners as part of the Healthier Minds Festival.

“This event very much aligns with our Council’s values and aims, which include ensuring unity in the community through building and maintaining conversations and co-operation between all faith and cultural groups.

“It’s crucial that everyone we serve in our communities is aware of what emotional and mental health support is available to them and as an Interfaith Council we are keen to facilitate that dialogue between services and members of the community.”

Dr Priya George, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System (ICS) Clinical Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said: “For those who come along, this is a chance for them to help shape and improve local services and support for the future.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to speak with members of our communities in an open, honest, friendly and supportive manner to find out more about your needs.

“The event will also allow us to highlight some of the services our area has to offer and to raise awareness of mental health and emotional wellbeing in general.

“I am looking forward to meeting you all at the event.”

Councillor Kelly Middleton, Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, Equalities, Partnerships and Leisure who also happens to be Mental Health Champion for the council, added: “It’s great to work with ICS colleagues and the Interfaith Council around promoting equality and diversity and raising awareness of services within our community that support people around mental health.

“It’s vital we continue to build on our partnerships and focus continually on improving the health and wellbeing of our residents.

“One of the ways we are doing this is through our Year of Wellbeing, and I am looking forward to talking at the event about the quick, everyday things we can do to improve how we feel with the wider community.”

Throughout the day, a wide range of demonstrations for activities that support and promote a healthier mind such as arts, crafts and much more will take place. There will also be a free, vegetarian lunch served for those who attend.

Just some of the stallholders attending on the day include:

• The African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI), who will be offering a mindfulness programme taster session and pilates
• One Voice will offering poetry, wellbeing music, crafts, as well as an Indian dancing demonstration
• Chinese Arts and Cultural Centre
• The Healthy Lifestyles Service
• Telford Mind
• Forum 50+, who will be offering some sessions on men’s yoga and gentle chair exercise
• Community Perinatal Mental Health Team (PMHT), who will be offering one-to-one baby massage
• Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin
• Healthwatch Shropshire
• Green Spaces

There will also be teams from local NHS Trusts including service teams from Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust and Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust.

For more information about the event, visit: https://www.stwics.org.uk/get-involved/shropshire-telford-and-wrekin-ics-events/healthier-minds-festival