Focus on Health and Wellbeing event at Preston Flag Market

Come along to a special wellbeing event at Preston's Flag Market between 10am and 4.30pm on Saturday 7 October, hosted by Preston Wellfest.

This is a free, drop-in event with information and activities. The day is a way of focusing attention on different aspects of health and wellbeing, including a focus on mental health, and helping people to change habits and behaviours in order to improve their wellbeing.  

In total, more than 30 organisations will be in attendance. Look out for entertainment provided by an array of performers including Preston People's Choir, Lemon Dance and Well Arty. There will also be a concert band, singer, and other spoken word performers.

Choose Health will be in attendance to offer free health checks to those aged between 40 -74 and if you get there early enough you might even get to meet a therapy dog!

Whilst the event has been designed to cover both physical and mental health and wellbeing, the date was chosen in support of World Mental Health Day, which takes place on Tuesday 10 October.

Councillor Jennifer Mein, Cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Preston City Council, said: 

"The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of the value of good mental health and to come together to support those who need help. 

"The event, organised by Preston Wellfest and supported by the city council, provides an opportunity for community partners to talk about their work, and also showcases the fabulous range of support available across the city.

"Many people will face both physical and mental health issues throughout their lives, however, there is still a stigma surrounding poor mental health and asking for help. As well as looking at the physical aspects of health and wellbeing, this event creates opportunities to talk to others and get help if you are struggling with your mental health too." 

The Preston Wellfest Network was initially formed in 2019 and is currently made up of more than thirty organisations that have a specific interest in health and wellbeing in the Preston area.  

Connecting with others and forming good relationships - with family, friends and the wider community - are important for mental wellbeing. Building stronger, broader social connections in your life can increase your feelings of happiness and self-worth. If we break the chain and talk about how we feel, there are people out there who can help. 

More information

The organisations attending the event include:

• Breakthrough Recovery
• No Whispers CIC
• Preston Street Pastors
• We Are With You
• Safenet
• The Mary O'Gara Foundation
• Healthwatch Lancashire
• Preston North End Community and Education Trust
• Let's Grow Preston
• Renaissance UK
• Inspire (New You Partners)
• Intact
• Pukar
• Preston Domestic Violence Services
• Listening Ear (Amparo)
• Lemon Dance
• Orange Button
• The More You Know
• Red Rose Recovery
• Strive 2 Thrive
• The Haven
• Preston City Council
• Lancashire Sexual Health Services
• Choose Health
• Compass Health Bloom mental health support team

About Preston Wellfest Network 

Coordinated by the Community Projects Team at Lancashire County Council, with support from Preston City Council, the network provides a platform for those involved to share information, promote activities, and collectively plan events. The network runs events in support of Mental Health Awareness Week in May, Men's Health Week in June, World Suicide Prevention Day in September, World Mental Health Day and Menopause Awareness Month in October, and Self-Care Week and awareness raising on addiction to coincide with Alcohol Awareness Week in November.