Get set for an action-packed afternoon of outdoor activities to soothe the mind, body and soul as BCHA’s popular annual Festival of Wellbeing returns to Boscombe Chine Gardens on Friday 19th August from 1 to 4pm.
The free-to-enter, family-friendly event, staged by south west-based charitable housing association BCHA, brings together local organisations that support communities in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. All organisations taking part are dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing.
Alice Evans, BCHA Personal Development Trainer, said: “With the cost-of-living crisis taking its toll on the nation’s anxiety levels, taking time out to look after mental health and wellbeing has never been more important. The Festival of Wellbeing is packed with activities and entertainment – from live music to African drumming, face painting, glitter tattoos, yoga, meditation and mindfulness sessions, so there’s something for all the family. And even better, it’s free!”
All activities on offer at the alcohol-free event will link to the five steps to wellbeing: connecting with other people, being physically active, learning new skills, giving to others and paying attention to the present moment, which is essential for mindfulness.
A host of amazing raffle prizes are up for grabs on the day, including the chance to win a Fitbit smartwatch, Sony earphones, headphones and speakers, courtesy of Currys. Tower Park Community has kindly donated wellbeing kit including a deluxe yoga ball and yoga brick and there’s a fabulous free afternoon tea for two to be won at the four-star Marsham Court Hotel, which offers panoramic views across Bournemouth bay.
More than 20 organisations are set to share a wealth of wellbeing expertise, while the brilliant Cheikh Diop will create his trademark soundtrack to the festival with the energetic beat of African drumming!
Champions of the local voluntary and community sector, Community Action Network (CAN) will be delivering activities on messages of kindness, and make a note to visit Dorset Mind – the team will be sharing a wealth of expertise on befriending, smashing stigma and supporting people across Dorset to maintain their mental health.
C3 Collaborating for Health will reveal NHS Dorset’s plans for a new Boscombe Wellbeing Hub and give visitors the opportunity to have their say, while spreading the word about the ASPIRE Project in Boscombe, an innovative programme to help people who are out of work or overweight to achieve their health and career goals. Visitors can also drop in to Wellbeing People’s Health MOT Roadshow, a free mobile health check initiative that helps individuals and communities in Boscombe.
Anyone who is keen to learn how to move and breathe mindfully can join free outdoor yoga sessions with Community Yoga Collective (CYC), while the Options Wellbeing Trust will offer an insight into its affordable counselling and wellbeing support. Skills & Learning Adult Community Education will provide a fascinating insight into how to look after your wellbeing, with fun quizzes, too.
Don’t miss the opportunity to speak to The Crumbs Project, a fantastic charity that provides learning programmes designed to develop a range of professional and life skills, increase confidence and prepare adults who are disadvantaged for employment, often in the hospitality sector which is crying out for skilled staff.
BCHA is delighted that Citizens Advice Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole will bringing a wealth of expertise to the Festival. From building resilience to supporting the mental health of local communities, the team will be on hand to share their expertise. Pop along to speak to Live Well Dorset, which offers free personalised wellness support and coaching, helping thousands of adults on their journey to becoming happier and healthier.
The above is only a snapshot of the vast range of organisations taking part. BCHA will have a host of stands, including employability support initiative The Way Forward project, and fantastic opportunities to find out more about digital and financial inclusion, meditation and mindfulness – and get involved with community art, stress reduction, face painting and the joy of growing plants from seed.
Event programme in full
13:00 Welcome from BCHA
13:15 Live band, African drumming and yoga
13:45 Live band, African drumming, mindfulness and meditation
14:00 Welcome from the Mayor. Mindfulness and meditation
14:15 Yoga
14:30 African drumming and yoga
14:45 African drumming and Sound Bath
15:00 Live band, African drumming and Sound Bath
15:15 Live band, mindfulness and meditation
15:45 Raffle
16:00 Thanks from BCHA
* Where there are several activities are held at the same time, they will be in separate locations, signposted on the day.
For more information, please contact BCHA Communications Manager Victoria Kate by email at victoriakate@bcha.org.uk. Or for further details about BCHA, visit www.bcha.org.uk
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