Grampian Wellbeing Festival events commence
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From a dementia friendly disco to a mindfulness trail at Macduff Marine Aquarium, dozens of events are taking place across Aberdeenshire this month as part of the Grampian Wellbeing Festival.
Now in its ninth 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 program 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 the Inverurie Wellbeing Open Afternoon on Wednesday May 2, which saw residents of the town find out more about the wellbeing offering on their doorstep.
She said: “I am delighted to support our Wellbeing Festival 2024.
“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 gather 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 coordinator, believes the festival has evolved to match increased awareness of mental health and wellbeing in general.
She said: “When we first launched nine years ago, there was still a great deal of stigma concerning mental health and the importance of overall wellbeing.
“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 the www.nhsgrampian.org/AberdeenshireWellbeingFestival%20/ webpage.
