Wellbeing Games - events for all abilities

With the country still buzzing with sporting enthusiasm after the Olympics and looking forward to the Paralympics, the Wellbeing Games being held at Costello Stadium on 5 September will be a chance for those people who might otherwise miss out to take part in a variety of exciting activities. 

The Wellbeing Games are aimed at people in Hull and the East Riding who have mental health problems, learning disabilities, dementia and/or autism and their families, carers and staff who help and support them. 

Everyone who comes along to the free event at Costello between 10.30am and 2.30pm will have a chance to try sports like javelin, archery, high jump, trampolining, cycling, discus and track sprints. These are all designed so anyone can take part in them. 

The event is being organised by a team from City Health Care Partnership CIC, Humber NHS Foundation Trust, Hull City Council, the Humber Sports Partnership and Positive Assets and with funding from NHS Hull. Suzanne Nichols, Wellbeing Nurse for people with severe mental illness, is keen to see people reaping the rewards of physical fitness.

 ‘People with severe mental health problems and those with learning disabilities have a much shorter life expectancy than the rest of the population,’ she explains. ‘The Wellbeing Games are all about encouraging these groups to take part in sport and hopefully realise how enjoyable it can be; this can then lead on to making exercise part of your daily life. 

‘Sport and exercise are also really good ways of improving your mood as well as a great way to meet people. We really want to make sure as many people as possible come along to enjoy the day; all you need to bring is a packed lunch and comfortable clothing. Water and fruit will be provided.’ 

To book a place at the Wellbeing Games, phone 01482 344162 or email wellbeing@chcphull.nhs.uk. Places are limited, so don’t delay! 

You can also watch a video of the Wellbeing Event earlier this year at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvDpmFQZbfM.