SWFCCP brings people together in Hillsborough Park for World Mental Health Day
Participants from our osteoarthritis programme came together in Hillsborough Park recently for a special wellbeing walk as part of our activities ahead of World Mental Health Day.
The walk brought participants together in a lovely outdoor space, providing an opportunity to get active, connect with others and take some time to focus on their wellbeing.
SWFCCP’s Health Coach, Ben Lamb, led the walk. He said: “Today was really about bringing everyone from our osteoarthritis group together as one big group, having a chance to socialise, catch up and enjoy some time together, while also getting the steps in and having a walk.
“We have three osteoarthritis classes, and all three are really busy, with around 60 participants across the programme. It was great to bring everyone together outside of the usual sessions and give people the chance to catch up with one another.
“Coming together gives people the opportunity to talk, listen and share experiences, which can be such an important part of looking after our mental health.”
“It was also lovely to be able to do the walk in Hillsborough Park, with the stadium in the background. It made the walk feel like a real community event and was a great setting for everyone to be together.”
Jenny Pupius, a participant on our osteoarthritis programme, said: “It’s been lovely. The walk has been a really lovely, shared experience and it’s been great to see everyone come together.
“I’ve been attending the osteoarthritis programme and classes for over two years now, and I have to say I’ve seen a huge improvement. I had a hip replacement a year ago and I can say I’ve recovered well, thanks to the work of SWFCCP’s specialist osteoarthritis programmes.”
World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of mental health and encourage more open conversations around it.
For SWFCCP, creating welcoming opportunities for people to connect is an important part of supporting wellbeing. Whether through a group walk, a conversation over a cup of tea or coffee, or simply spending time with others, activities like these can help create spaces where people feel comfortable talking and connecting with those around them.
For more information about our extensive range of health and wellbeing programmes and initiatives, email: health@swfccp.co.uk