Grampian Wellbeing Festival off to flying start
From a dementia friendly disco to a mindfulness trail at Macduff Aquarium, dozens of events are taking place across Aberdeenshire this month as part of Grampian Wellbeing Festival.
Now in its 9th year, the initiative will see local community groups come together and put on free events – in a bid to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing.
Originally founded by Public Health Aberdeenshire, the festival has seen Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership (AHSCP), NHS Grampian, Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership and Moray Health and Social Care come together, to reach as many people as possible.
The packed programme for residents living in Aberdeenshire includes innovative workshops such as Pause and a Piece, which will be held at Peterhead Football Club and is aimed at anyone experience perimenopause/menopause.
There’s also a memorial covid walk set to be held on Auchnagatt Railway Line, plus workshops, yoga and even storytelling massage for youngsters.
Pam Milliken, chief officer at AHSCP, attended Inverurie Wellbeing Open Afternoon earlier this month, and the event saw residents of the town find out more about the wellbeing offering on their doorstep.
“I am delighted to support our Wellbeing Festival 2024,” she said.
“For the past eight years, the Aberdeenshire Wellbeing Festival has been a mainstay for mental health, emphasizing community resources and uplifting events.
"The wellbeing festival in Aberdeenshire has gone from strength to strength and would not be possible without our community groups, services, organisations, staff and businesses getting involved to share what they offer people in our communities all year round.
“This year we're thrilled to partner with Aberdeen City HSCP and Moray HSCP alongside NHS Grampian.”
The festival will come to a close at the end of the month, with more than 100 people expected to come together within The Barn at Barra Castle in Oldmeldrum.
Aptly named The Gatherin, members of pop up conversation cafes which are held across Aberdeenshire all year round, will be able to enjoy farm tours and tai chi, plus crafts and connection with like minded people.
Rock Choir Aberdeenshire will also be performing on the day, and the pop up cafes have played a huge role in supporting people within their own communities.
Carolyn Lamb, Advanced Public Health Co-ordinator, believes the festival has evolved to match increased awareness of mental health and wellbeing in general.
“When we first launched nine years ago, there was still a great deal of stigma concerning mental health and the importance of overall wellbeing,” she said.
“It was a very different conversation to the positive attitudes seen in society today, and we’re so proud to have helped shaped the narrative over the importance of wellbeing here in the north-east.
“We’re also grateful to the many community groups who have come forward and helped make the festival possible.
“It demonstrates just how much is on offer on our doorstep across the generations.
“Regardless of age and ability, there’s something for everyone.”
To find out more about Grampian Wellbeing Festival, including what’s on offer in your local area, visit www.nhsgrampian.org/AberdeenshireWellbeingFestival%20/
Pictured are Hazel and Tracey of AHSCP who were on hand to talk about careers in home care