A wellness event that was jointly organised by Pluss and Seetec Pluss staff took place in Torquay last week (30 June) that brought together peers from the Opportunities, Restart and Positive People programmes.

The aim of the event, held at the TLH Carlton Hotel in Torquay, was to bring together a group of peers and introduce them to the partnership organisations that Pluss and Seetec Pluss work with in Torbay and to learn about the programmes that the different contracts offer.

This helped to create several supportive cross-referrals between contracts and organisations, while having face-to-face positivity and fun.

Michelle Barlow, Team Leader for the Mental Health Opportunities team said:

“This was a real partnership event, where participants from all three contracts benefited. It was the first time we’ve done something like this, and thanks to our colleagues in Restart and Positive People, we were able to deliver an event that everyone found enjoyable and useful.

“We’ve had some lovely feedback. It’s so rewarding to see participants grow in confidence and hopefully we can do more events like this in the future.”

Activities included a talk entitled, ‘The Power of Positive Thought’ from motivational speaker, Julie Thompson; a chair yoga session delivered by Restart’s Holly Walford and Katrina Down led a body scan session. This is a mindfulness practice, that helps people to focus inwards, creating a connection between the mind and body.

One of the added benefits of the day was to gently encourage peers to go beyond their natural comfort zones. By getting involved in activities not tried before, helping them to build confidence in a safe and enjoyable way.

Here’s just some of the feedback received from the peers:

🗣 “I really enjoyed today. I was a little out of my comfort zone, with so many people, but everyone was super lovely and supportive.” 

🗣 “I loved the yoga! I never thought to do it in a chair before, but I’ll be doing that again.”

🗣 “The body scan made me feel the most relaxed I’d felt in ages!”

Other partners that attended the day included friends from Shekinah, Eat That Frog, Torbay Healthy Lifestyles Team, Devon NHS Partnership Trust and the Department of Work and Pensions.