Wigan borough’s festival celebrating all things health and happiness is returning as a new virtual event later this month.
Wellfest is back with a brand-new online platform making it easier than ever for residents to get involved and do something which keeps their body and mind healthy this winter.
Danny Sculthorpe State of Mind Sport Presenter
Wigan Council, its health partners, community groups and some special guests have joined forces for the event which will focus on mental health in line with the council’s Be Kind campaign. www.wigan.gov.uk/News/Articles/2020/Oct/Virtual-health-festival.aspx
Councillor Keith Cunliffe, deputy leader at the council, said: “Now, more than ever, we need to be kind to ourselves and to each other. As we approach winter, and we’re all being asked to make changes or sacrifices, one of the most important things you can do is look after your own physical and mental wellbeing.
“Our new virtual Wellfest brings a whole host of resources and information together about looking after your health and happiness which can be accessed at home at the click of a button.”
The online festival site will go live on Monday 26th October with a main stage line-up running from Wednesday 28th – Sunday 1st November.
Residents and families can browse each of the festival tents online – including the healthy tent, happy tent and family tent, which will be packed with ideas to help you eat well, information and support to look after your mind and advice for the whole family or new parents.
For the main stage, a full programme of exercise, relaxation, dance and baby classes will be streamed via youtube and facebook along with storytime evening sessions for families and more.
The main stage line-up will be kicked off on Wednesday 28th October with a live Q&A between local stars Danny Sculthorpe and Jenny Meadows. Jenny will be interviewing Danny about his journey with mental health and residents can tune in live and ask any questions.
Craig Harris, Managing Director and Accountable officer for NHS Wigan Borough CCG adds: “Digital Wellfest is a brilliant opportunity for our local people to get some ideas and inspiration to help them maintain not just their physical health but their mental wellness which is especially important at this time. I’m excited to see so many health and social care partners getting behind this varied week-long event.
“I have a background in mental health, qualifying 20 years ago as a mental health nurse and I know that anyone can be affected by mental illness, chances are most people will struggle at some point in their life or will see a friend or loved one suffer – particularly in these challenging times. So why not encourage a friend or loved one to join the event, I definitely will be!”
All the live sessions will be streamed via the borough’s new events channel – This is Wigan.
Follow This is Wigan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube for updates on the festival and for details of how to stream the live main stage from 28th October.