Health and wellbeing hub set to keep up the good work
Delight for Burnhill group
EDEL KENEALY
A health and wellbeing programme, which launched in Burnhill 10 weeks ago, will be a permanent fixture after becoming a runaway success.
Burnhill Action Group launched the programme on March 7 in a bid to improve people’s mental and physical health, while bolstering community spirit.
And the initiative’s method of offering a fitness session, together with a wellbeing workshop covering different topics each week, has proved to be popular with residents.
It has so far addressed issues such as healthy eating, cooking on a budget, first aid, drug dependency, the importance of health screening in the fight against cancer and fire safety.
Elizabeth Mcdonald, who spearheaded the programme along with friends Pamela Conway and Jackie French, said the project has – as she hoped – helped bring neighbours together.
“It has been fantastic,” she said. “It has been even better than I anticipated. We have had so many people engaging with it.
“The wellbeing sessions have been really good.
“The information we have been given – from cancer screening to drugs and harm reduction – has been worthwhile and it is something we can take away and share with our friends.”
The health and wellbeing hub is one of three hubs operated by Burnhill Action Group, with the support of Healthy n’ Happy Community Development Trust.
The group secured a National Lottery grant earlier this year meaning funding is available for the health and wellbeing hub to run for up to three years.
The next eight-week block will begin on Thursday, May 23, once Elizabeth and her friends have reviewed feedback from the first session.
Elizabeth added: “We are still focusing on wellbeing, maybe more specifically on mental health issues, things such as suicide and domestic violence. We did an evaluation and asked people what they would like to see.
“Sign language and training opportunities were some of the suggestions, which I thought was fantastic, and we have the means to be able to give that to the community.”
With the good weather approaching, the weekly fitness sessions may take place outdoors, with walking and an introduction to cycling possibilities in the coming weeks.
Anyone interested in taking part in the next eightweek programme is invited to West Parish Church on May 23 at 7pm, where they can find out more information about what is included.
Attendees will be offered a welcome pack and can sign up for the programme then if they feel it is suited to their needs.
People are still welcome if they cannot attend every week.
More information about the hub is available on the Burnhill Action Group Facebook page.
We have had so many people engaging with it