Marlborough’s first Health & Wellbeing day to be held at St Peter’s on Saturday (6 July)

Do you need to be there? Of course not, you’re fit…… Or so you think or assume. But maybe there are good reasons for attending Marlborough’s first Health & Wellbeing day, not that you’ll suddenly find you aren’t as well as you thought, but prevention and awareness of lifestyle can bring real benefits later on. So maybe a trip in to St Peter’s on Saturday 6 July isn’t such an unnecessary idea at all…..

When you think about Health and Wellbeing what springs to mind? Diet and exercise, jogging, football or swimming, medical care and other therapies? Think again … consider retired racehorses, community choirs, foodbanks and help with paying bills. All of these can contribute to our physical and mental health.

Want to find out more? The first Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Open Day will be held on Saturday 6th July 2024 at St Peter’s Church in Marlborough from 10am until 3pm.

Organised by the Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group and with significant funding support from the Wiltshire Council Marlborough Area Board, the Open Day will provide an opportunity for a wide range of local health and care organisations; statutory and non-statutory and other community groups to share information with the public about their services and the support which is available for people in the local area.

The programme for the Day includes the formal opening by the Mayor of Marlborough: Councillor Kym-Marie Cleasby at 10.30am followed by a series of presentations and displays.

Greatwood Charity works with horses to develop emotional wellbeing and mindfulness . Initially working with children on educational development the Charity now includes programmes for adults. Retired racehorse ‘Marv’ will join the Open Day in the Church grounds from 11am.

Singing provides physical benefits with a focus on breathing and posture as well as the emotional and social benefits from team work, making connections and enjoying a shared and creative activity. The Marlborough Community Choir will join the Day at St Peters both to entertain and to explain more about the positive impact of singing on wellbeing.

Fruci Fit and Age UK will also demonstrate physical exercises to improve fitness and strength.

St Peter’s will be filled with representatives from local health and wellbeing organisations providing opportunities to find out more about local services and support. Consultations with a health and wellbeing coach will be available along with representatives from local healthcare providers, sports organisations and Wiltshire Council. Approaches to other aspects of wellbeing will be included with organisations offering help and advice on the cost of living, the food bank and related issues, day centre and nursing home care.

Wiltshire Councillor for Marlborough West Jane Davies said ‘I am delighted Marlborough Area Board can support our first Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Day. As Wiltshire’s Cabinet member with responsibility for Adults Social Care I know how important community connections and keeping active are to long term health. Marlborough has a lot to offer and I’m so pleased we can showcase it through our day. The Area Board can give grants to local groups, even small grassroots ones, to support community activities and we welcome applications. It will be a fun day with lots of activities so please do pop in to St Peter’s to join in an activity and find out more.’

Chair of the Marlborough Health and Wellbeing Group Jill Turner said ‘we are fortunate to have many health and wellbeing organisations in our area and our Open Day will enable allow them to share information and advice. We are grateful to all who have supported the Day and our efforts to improve local health and wellbeing.’