Coming together for community wellbeing

19/10/2021

A FREE community wellbeing event for people of all ages to find out more about the free support available to them following the Covid-19 lockdowns, is coming to Bolton town centre during October half-term.

The drop-in event, which is set to be the largest of its kind in Bolton since before the pandemic, is being held on Tuesday, 26 October, from 10am to 3pm at Victoria Hall, 37-39 Knowsley Street, Bolton.

Organised by Bolton GP Federation Social Prescribing Link Workers, in collaboration with community partners and with representation from around 30 local groups and organisations, there promises to be something for everyone, including some interesting and entertaining taster sessions on Bollywood dancing, ‘Laughing’ yoga and Tai Chi, and an opportunity to meet and learn about the work of the HMPasties team.

Trish Goodwin, Social Prescribing Link Worker for the Chorley Roads Primary Care Network, said: “The reason we’ve brought this event together is because people have become so isolated during the pandemic, and so much has changed that it’s hard for them to know what support there is out there. Lots of groups and services that had to close or scale down during lockdown are back up and running again, plus some new ones have started up too.

“From talking to people, the biggest thing we are hearing is that people want to reconnect after spending so much time locked down and social distancing. Some people are looking for companionship, want a chat, or have a cuppa. Some people need more practical help, such as with housing or work related.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support from local organisations and groups, so much so that we are already up to capacity. We are all really looking forward to welcoming everybody on the 26th and offering them the opportunity to see people, chat, have that cuppa and get the right support, all in one place.”

Free refreshments will be available throughout the day and each attendee will get free entry into the raffle, with prizes donated by staff at Bolton GP Federation, including a free physiotherapy session, beauty products, a round of golf and lots more.