Health organisations across the Fylde Coast are inviting people to come along to one of 70 events as part of a week of self-care celebrations.
Self-Care Week is an annual initiative organised by the Self Care Forum to raise awareness about the benefits of self-care and what people can do to take care of their health. It is to promote and encourage more self-care across communities, families and generations. Choosing Self Care for Life is about making improvements in your life to protect your physical health and mental wellbeing.
Locally, organisations with an interest in health are using the week to encourage people with poor health lifestyles to make a positive change by trying one of the thousands of groups available across the Fylde Coast. These people may be socially isolated, depressed or have a long-term physical condition that means they are unable to be physically active. However by doing some form of activity or by meeting new friends or likeminded people they may help their situation and experience many health benefits.
A call to local groups using the FYi Directory has been answered and social clubs, activity leaders and advice agencies have offered to put on special sessions throughout the week. These sessions will welcome new people and give them an easy taster of what the group is like. There is everything from mindfulness sessions to walking football and the hope is that by trying one of these sessions people will continue to attend and make the positive change.
Dr Arif Rajpura, Director of Public Health at Blackpool Council, said: ‘’It’s never too early or too late to begin to make small, simple changes that will enhance and protect your health now and, in the future, and often, one small change will make a big difference to your wellbeing.
“For instance, choosing to become more active will not only improve your physical health, it will also boost your mood, particularly if you choose to exercise outdoors in the fresh air.”
Dr Amanda Doyle OBE, a Fylde Coast GP who is also accountable officer of the two CCGs, said: “Self-care is a vital element to prolonged and sustained health and wellbeing.
“The Self Care Week campaign provides healthcare providers, and our partners, with an opportunity to shine a light on this issue and encourage people to do things to improve their health. The response from the clubs and groups across the Fylde Coast to get involved in the week has been remarkable and we have to thank them for helping us in our efforts to make a fitter Fylde Coast.
During Self Care Week, and every day, choose Self Care for Life and make self-care your life-long habit. For more information on local activities for Self Care Week visit on www.fitterfyldecoast.nhs.uk
If there is nothing on the calendar that appeals try looking on the FYi directory for lots of other clubs and societies that are available. Simply go to www.fyidirectory.co.uk or call 0800 092 2332.
Invest in your future self this Self Care Week (12 – 18 November) by making small changes that can make a big difference.