Fancy something that's fun, free and fabulous for the whole family?
You can create a work of art, play rugby, feed the kids and get invaluable advice all in the same day this summer, at Cumberland Council’s free Wellbeing Festival.
The Whitehaven event is hosted by the council’s Social Prescribing team, with support from funders, partners and around 70 organisations who will be there on the day.
The Whitehaven Rugby League Club’s Recreation Ground, on Coach Road, is the location, and the festival will take place on Friday, August 8, from 10am until 3pm.
Family-friendly attractions include bouncy castles, a climbing wall, animals to meet, craft activities, face painting, and mini trampolines.
People can spray paint their own piece of art, meet the emergency services or have a go at rugby with the professionals. Active Cumbria will be running sessions in various fun physical activities throughout the day.
Or why not bring a blanket, relax on the grass and enjoy the street entertainers? All children will receive free food, with a great choice including vegan.
There will also be a large number of organisations on hand to offer support with a range of issues including finances, loneliness, mental and physical wellbeing and much more.
A full timetable of events will be available on the day, and more will be revealed on the council’s social media channels as the event approaches.
Cllr Justin McDermott, Cumberland Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health and Communities, said: “Our mission is to have health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, and our social prescribing team does that every day. It directs people to invaluable support, and to organisations who can help them improve their lives and keep healthy.
“The Wellbeing Festival is a great way to showcase that, and make it even more accessible - along with a lot of fun! And it is of course free, which I know makes a difference, especially during the school holidays.”
The Wellbeing Festival’s main sponsors are Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick (BBK) and Sellafield's Box Encapsulation Plant (BEP). Catherine Melvin, Project Wellbeing Advisor, said: “Both BBK and BEP are proud to partner with the Cumberland social prescribing team in delivering the Wellbeing Festival for the fourth time in the five years it’s been running.
"At Sellafield we strongly believe our people are our best assets, and we owe it to our employees to support their physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing in every way we can. Being partners and sponsors of the Wellbeing Festival gives us an opportunity to work alongside the fantastic organisations who provide vital services in Cumbria, to deliver not only an amazing opportunity for people to come together, access resources, and focus on their wellbeing, but year-round support right in the heart of our community."
Rosehill is another major funder, enabling the festival through its KIND programme. Jen Garrick, Chief Executive Officer at Rosehill, said:
"The Wellbeing Festival is a real highlight in Rosehill's calendar, and we're thrilled to be partnering with the Cumberland social prescribing team again this year. At Rosehill, we believe that a community only really thrives when people have the opportunity to come together to laugh, play, and connect. The Wellbeing Festival is a fantastic way to do just that, and we're very proud to be a sponsor. With so many charities, organisations, and other services in attendance at the festival, it's set to be another amazing day, packed full of free creative fun for the whole family. We can't wait to see everyone there."
Cumberland’s social prescribing team is funded by the Copeland Community Fund, without whom the festival would not happen. CCF Manager Emma Moynihan said: “I am delighted Copeland Community Fund is able to continue supporting Cumberland’s social prescribing team, and this festival. It fits perfectly with the fund’s focus on health and wellbeing.
"I’m sure the day itself will once again be a great success, and a chance for community members to get all kinds of free advice, support and entertainment.”
Other partners involved in delivering the festival are: Active Cumbria, Copeland Haven Primary Care Network’s social prescribing team, and Copeland Alliance Primary Care Network’s social prescribing team.
Social prescribing helps people improve their health and wellbeing by connecting them with community groups, activities or services. This can stop issues becoming medical concerns further down the line. The team can signpost people to these services - email social.prescribing@cumberland.gov.uk to find out more.
Residents can also use the online directory of local support, services and activities themselves.
Please note: no dogs, apart from assistance dogs, are allowed into the festival.