| Small
Group Project - Special Event -
Fri 18 May 2007
Groups are good for you and taking control of your health and wellbeing
is
fun! This was the message that over seventy members
of the Small Group Project groups went away with
after the annual Special Event on Friday 18 May.
This year the Special Event was held in conjunction with Tameside
and Glossop’s Primary Care Trust’s ‘Health is for Life’
festival.
It was a packed day, with Dr Stuart Bootle
kicking off the proceedings by giving an insight into
the workings of the NHS. He highlighted the
comparatively small amount of time we spend with
health care professionals, even when we have
permanent conditions like asthma, heart problems or
diabetes.
The groups thought his session ‘informative,
interesting and amusing’. No doubt his recollections of
his own experience of being diagnosed with diabetes in a veterinary practise gave raise to the ‘amusing’! |
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The workshops followed with an opportunity to
experience activities that can only enhance our wellbeing– namely T’ai Chi, Laughter (yes – laughing is
definitely good for you!), Extend (gentle, seated
exercise) and a wool spinning session (‘so relaxing’).
Then on to the highlight of the day THE FOOD.
Imaginatively described as ‘a nice balance of life and
death’ – there were plenty of healthy options but also
a chance to have ‘a bit of what you fancy’ (which
always does you good!). As all tucked in, there was a
lively Salsa demonstration to watch, and a few brave
souls to join in with, as well as a myriad of
complimentary therapies to enjoy in ‘taster’ sessions.
And so it was that many of the attendees floated back
from their therapy to hear Dr Raj Patel explore just
how membership of a group can increase your sense
of wellbeing,
happiness and even lifespan!
The group members then gave us an insight into what
they do and how much they achieve – leading one
lady to comment ‘I feel inspired after listening to what
others are doing, if not a little overawed’. Well, that’s
where the Small Group Project comes in – don’t feel
overawed! We are here to help in all those areas that
groups may find daunting – if only through lack of
experience! We can help in so many areas – from
helping you sort out a social trip for your group or a
place to meet to helping it become a charity or employ
a worker. If you are a small group or are hinking
about starting a group you can call us on 01663
736426 (Sandy) or 01663 736427 (Nancy).
See also Special Event April 2005 - September 2003
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