A Cumbrian school is throwing open its door to the community for first wellbeing festival.
The free event, at Workington Academy on Thursday July 11, will see over 35 agencies attend and special guest, charity fundraiser Andy Airey, of 3 Dads Walking fame.
The aim is to promote wellbeing and increase awareness of different agencies, services and clubs that are on offer for all ages.
Assistant headteacher Katie Kinrade said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for all local families, not just those with children at Workington Academy, to learn about the support available in our community.
“The invitation is open to the whole community and we’d love to see people of all ages coming along. It is so important that people know there are places where they can access help with wellbeing.
“We want to encourage people to take responsibility for their own wellbeing and the first step in doing that is showing people they are not alone and there is all this support available.”
Refreshments will be provided throughout the event from 4pm to 6pm, for free, and there will be opportunities to sit and chat with other members of the community, the school and local agencies and services promoting all aspects of wellbeing.
Workshops – strategies to support young people with anxiety and online safety – will be held at 4.10pm and 5pm and can be signed up for on entry.
Parents and carers of young children can take advantage of free soft play for children four and under provided by Little House of Play. There will be craft stations for older children too.
Mr Airey was recently honoured with an MBE alongside fellow dads, Mike Palmer and Tim Owen, for their work as 3 Dads Walking.
The group, who all lost daughters to suicide, completed a 500-mile walk and raised £1.4m for suicide prevention charity, Papyrus.
Stalls confirmed include Citizens Advice, Cumbria Youth Alliance, Cancer Champions, Youth Carers, Barnardo’s Mental Health Support Team, Freedom Project, Child Bereavement UK, Active Cumbria and many more.
Everyone attending will be entered in a prize draw. The festival is part of the academy’s Wellbeing Week to support students and staff.
