Let’s get Healthier Together: summer wellbeing festivals launch new health and wellbeing campaign

A new partnership health and wellbeing campaign called ‘Healthier Together’ is launching this summer.

To mark the launch, 8 free summer wellbeing festivals are planned across Cornwall, and local people are invited to come along and find out what they can do to improve their health in a fun and interactive way.

The 8 family-friendly festivals are being delivered in partnership with NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, Healthy Cornwall, community hubs, town councils and partners. They are happening at:

• Redruth Rugby Club and CN4C at The Elms on Saturday 3 August
• Park House Centre, Bude on Saturday 3 August
• Humphry Davy School and Trelya, Penzance on Friday 9 August
• Poltair Park and CN4C at The One and All Bank, St Austell on Saturday 17 August  
• Town Hall, Launceston on Saturday 17 August
• Hayle Recreation Ground on Saturday 14 September
• Basset Centre, Camborne on Saturday 14 September
• Newquay Orchard on Saturday 21 September

CHAOS Radio will be live at some of the events and will have roving teams out and about at others, bringing all the fun of the festivals to their shows on the day.

The free festival events will offer local people the chance to find out about the 5 themes of the Healthier Together campaign:

1. Get checked: offering health checks and advice from the NHS
2. Eat well: information about eating a balanced diet
3. Move more: taster sessions and advice from Healthy Cornwall and friends
4. Try new things: learn new skills and find out about volunteering with Volunteer Cornwall
5. Be kind: look after your mental health with NHS Talking Therapies and local support groups

Ruth Goldstein, Assistant Director of Public Health for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly said: 

“The healthier we become, the better we feel both physically and mentally and it can also help us fight off infection and prevent illness in the future. That’s why we’re launching this campaign to help local people find out more about their health and the small changes they can make that will have a big difference to their long-term health.

“We hope through this campaign and our summer wellbeing festival events that we will inspire more local people to start looking after their own wellbeing and living the best lives they can.

“From moving 10 minutes more every day, to eating a more balanced diet with more fruit and vegetables and less processed foods, to making sure you take up any cancer screening, health checks and vaccines that you and your family may be eligible for; every small change will help.

“There are lots of reasons why we make the lifestyle choices we do, from the food we eat, to smoking and drinking alcohol. But the good news is, with a little help and support, most of us can make positive changes that will lead to a healthier life.”

Susan Bracefield, Chief Nursing Officer, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board said:

“Preventing illness and looking after your future health is so important, as it benefits you and your family. That’s why we want people to get involved in our Healthier Together campaign and come along to a summer wellbeing festival event happening near them.

“We are grateful to everyone who’s involved in planning and delivering these free and fun festivals, which will provide people of all ages the chance to find out how they can improve their health and wellbeing.

“Each free event will have a wide range of advice and information, activities to try, and health checks with the NHS. More than that, they will be packed full of fun for all ages!”

Visit the website to find out more about the Healthier Together campaign and summer wellbeing festivals.

The local organisers have this to say about their events:

Redruth and St Austell

Emma Lankford, Centre Manager at Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change said:

“We are so excited to be holding 2 events, one in Redruth and one in St Austell. We have so much fun planned, from health and wellbeing sessions to games, storytelling and live entertainment. Something for everyone! We can’t wait to see you there.”

Bude

Lorraine Corrigan-Turner, local councillor and organiser of the Bude community event and summer wellbeing festival said:

“I’m really excited about the range of activities that people will be able to try at our event, from chair-based fitness to dancing and mini beauty treatments, to scarf juggling and magic. There will also be simple but essential health checks that could save your life, and lots of advice on everything from vaccinations, managing your money and advocacy.”

Penzance

The group organisers for the Penzance event said:

“We are thrilled to offer such a variety of exciting demonstrations, hands-on activities and exhibitors showcasing ways to improve our wellbeing. We cannot wait to welcome everyone at Humphry Davy School and Trelya in beautiful Penzance, just minutes away from the seafront, for a fun-filled day out.”

Launceston

Local health advocates and organisers of the Launceston community event are thrilled to announce the upcoming summer wellbeing festival, taking place on Saturday, August 17th. This exciting event promises a day of fun and activities for all ages.

Mayor Helen Bailey said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming people at our summer wellbeing festival in Launceston. We want to thank all of our supporters who have made this event possible.

“The festival will centre around the theme of ‘Wellbeing for All’ offering attendees the opportunity to connect with local providers and enjoy a range of activities. Highlights include Lego building, art sessions, face painting, hair braiding, and a special activity corner for young children.

“There will also be virtual reality, Minecraft, coding and robotics workshops, mental health resources, diabetes prevention, music and singing for health and wellbeing. So whether it’s trying something new or meeting up with your friends and neighbours come along.”

Hayle

Julie Baldwin, Projects and Events Officer for Hayle Town Council said:

“We are thrilled to be building on the success of Hayle Health and Wellbeing Festival (2023) to be part of the Healthier Together campaign, with even more exciting activities and new additions, such as our vegan and vegetarian Ready Steady Cook challenge featuring local chefs.

“There will be a range of activities to try, and people can find out what’s available on their doorsteps to support their health and wellbeing. There will be something for everyone. We can’t wait to bring the community together and see you all there!”

Newquay

Charlotte Hill, Chief Executive, Newquay Community Orchard said:

“We are excited and delighted to be sharing our beautiful outdoor venue to showcase all it offers, together with many of our local community organisations providing a diverse range of support in Newquay. Come and participate in creating seed bombs, bug hunts, kids activities, movement and dance, alongside our lovely food made from the veg we grow, health checks and simple life hacks that enhance your wellbeing, income and promote nature.

“The attention to health creation and healthier lifestyles is not only important for human health, but our natural environment too, it offers us so much for physical activity, nourishment and connection.”