'Supporters supported' during Mental Health Awareness Week

Date published: 21 May 2022

Rochdale Connections Trust, HMR Circle, and Action Together came together on 10 May to ‘support the supporters’ for Mental Health Awareness Week.

Hosted by Kim Ho from HMR Circle and Holly Stevenson from Rochdale Connections Trust, members of Action Togethers’ Emotional Health and Wellbeing Network were invited to come together in person for a long overdue catch-up.

The event also acknowledged and celebrated the vital role volunteers and staff undertook during the pandemic.

In the spirit of providing those volunteers and staff with a treat, the event included sessions on techniques and methods of relaxation, meditation, hand massages, reflexology, reiki, pure energy healing, henna and lots more.

Holly said: “The pandemic has been very stressful for everyone and the staff and volunteers in the voluntary sector have gone over and above to help people who have struggled in the unique circumstances we found ourselves in.

“This was a great way to thank them for all their hard work and to treat them to some feel-good therapy.”

All who attended enjoyed a delicious vegan lunch together, prepared by Chef Ken and access to 30-minute wellbeing activities including breathworks, meditation and laughter yoga.

Sue from Lakeside Therapies and Chelle from The Beauty Barn provided relaxing hand massages and reflexology. Many of the attendees were able to enjoy a massage or learn about tensions they hold in their body and how reflexology can help them to release the tension.

Lou Riley with LouNur Wellbeing ran two group taster sessions focusing on emotional wellbeing which consisted of guided meditation and breathworks. The Buzzy Bee breathing exercises were a favourite of many.

All attendees were presented with a special gift box to take away which was full of self-care and pamper treats for them to continue looking after their wellbeing at home. A special ‘thank you’ gift was also presented to Nichelle Cutler from Action Together for all her support from the Emotional Health and Wellbeing Network.

One of the volunteers, Claire said: "It was a great opportunity for us all to get together with other volunteers and share experiences from the pandemic, and also a chance to relax and get used to a different environment whilst trying new therapy methods such as reflexology. It has been a really interesting experience."

Liesl from Touchstones said: "Initially I was really nervous about coming on my own but found it to be such a positive and relaxing experience.

“I have met some new people and reconnected with familiar faces. I have loved socialising with everyone here today. The treatment and food were all just wonderful.”

HMR Circle and Rochdale Connections Trust declared the event a huge success and were delighted to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all those who have worked tirelessly for the benefit of others over the last two years.