Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex stages free to attend Wellbeing Festival
Residents across Ards and North Down are invited to enjoy a weekend packed with free activities, expert advice and community support as the North Down Wellbeing Festival takes place at Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August.
The festival will bring together more than 40 local organisations to celebrate health, wellbeing and community connection while raising funds for charities Inspire Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention Offering Recovery Through Sports (SPORTS).
Will Carson, Sports Development and Health Manager for Northern Community Leisure Trust, said:
"We are passionate about creating opportunities that help people improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing. The North Down Wellbeing Festival is about showcasing the incredible range of organisations, activities and support networks that exist across our Borough. "
Across the weekend, attendees can take part in a wide range of activities, including art workshops, indoor angling, running, kickboxing, pickleball, football, gymnastics and more.
A programme of informative talks and workshops will also explore topics such as dyslexia, suicide awareness, domestic abuse and services for older people.
On Saturday, families can enjoy story time sessions, creative art activities and the chance to explore a fire engine, while Sunday's programme will feature inclusive activities including family swim sessions, children's football competitions and dedicated sessions for people living with Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis (MS).
TJ Young, Chairman of SPORTS Mental Health NI, said:
“We at SPORTS Mental Health NI are delighted and honoured to have been nominated as one of the charities for this year’s North Down Well-being Festival.
“As a NI Registered charity supporting sports clubs and organisations across the Ards and North Down Borough, we are incredibly grateful for this opportunity to engage with our local community and raise awareness of the importance of positive mental health through sport.
“The funds raised will help us continue providing FREE Mental Health Awareness Training and Counselling Services to local sports clubs, ensuring more people have access to the support they need.
“We would like to sincerely thank Northern Community Leisure Trust for giving us this fantastic platform to both raise vital funds and showcase the work of our charity.
We hope everyone enjoys a wonderful festival weekend, and that the weather is kind to us all.”
Kerry Anthony MBE, CEO of Inspire Wellbeing, said:
“We are delighted to be a chosen charity at the North Down Wellbeing Festival and to be part of an event that brings together organisations committed to improving health and wellbeing across our communities.
“The Inspire team will be delivering two physical wellbeing activities and group sessions through our Right Support Right Time service. This initiative is proudly funded by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB. These sessions are designed to help people build resilience, strengthen their wellbeing and access practical tools and support to improve their overall mental health and wellbeing.
“Events such as the North Down Wellbeing Festival provide an invaluable opportunity to connect with local communities and raise awareness of the support available. We are grateful to Northern Community Leisure Trust for selecting Inspire as a charity partner and look forward to engaging with attendees, showcasing our services and contributing to what promises to be a fantastic day.”
The North Down Wellbeing Festival is a free event for visitors of all ages and abilities to attend. For more information and to book sessions, visit: https://www.moreleisure.com/bangoraurora/events/
Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex, Bangor Sportsplex and Queens Leisure Complex are operated by Northern Community Leisure Trust in partnership with Serco Leisure, and on behalf of Ards & North Down Borough Council.