What is the L!STEN Wellbeing Event?
The L!STEN Wellbeing Event is in its second year, so I guess it could be classed as an annual event at this point! The idea was initially conceived by our L!STEN Steering Group in response to the Bee Well Survey, which showed young people’s views on all things wellbeing. This year they decided a free event, the day before GCSE Results Day, is just what young people in Stockport needed!
Why is it important?
On the day, it was clear to see that young people are in desperate need for free activities, especially during the summer holidays which can be a source of anxiety for many. So many parents, carers, youth group leaders and councillors commented on why an event like this made such a difference in the community.
What happened on the day?
The event itself was on Wednesday 21st August, from 11-2 and was held in Viaduct Park (which is fast becoming a Stockport landmark) and the Hat Works. The outside space was busier and louder and therefore the Hat Works provided a space for quieter activities. The first 60 young people received vouchers for free pizza and all young people received a goody bag, which meant that by 11 o’clock there were already plenty of people who were attendance! The L!STEN group organised lots of activities to engage young people including rock painting, bracelet making, face paints, sports day activities, party games and music – which ran all day and were supervised by the young people themselves.
Which organisations attended?
We had lots of local Stockport organisations who attended and showed their support for young people and their wellbeing:
Vernon Building Society – We had a generous donation by the building society which helped to fund this event, but if that wasn’t enough we were joined by Vernon Bear himself! The younger members of the event were in awe of the 7 foot furry friend who joined the activities!
Easypeel – As well as cooking up the delicious pizza, they brought along their pottery wheels and hand clay for young people to have a go at! There was definitely a queue at this end of the park, with young people (and adults!) all desperate to see what they could create.
Library services - Welcomed all ages & had a book dip where the young people could pick a free book.
Spinach Photography - Curious kids were intrigued and learnt new sustainable photography skills with plants, with Gwen Riley Jones.
Music - Informal sessions learning how to play the guitar with our friend Lee.
Arc – Arts for Recovery in the Community, or simply ‘Arc’, is the leading arts and mental health charity based in Stockport that provides opportunities for people to celebrate their creativity, connect with each other and learn new skills. They provided free sessions of Reiki, plus Water colour skills!
Proud Trust - The Proud Trust delivers youth work and one-to-one support across Greater Manchester, they were promoting their services, so the young people of Stockport are aware of the support they can offer.
Public Health - Charlee Fitzgerald (Public Health Community Capacity Worker) talked about how to stay healthy, information about the causes of cancer, teaching about which sunscreen is the best to use to protect yourself!
Living Nature - Nature connection activities with Josie.
Wilmott Dixon – Becky and the team learnt about structure, building pyramids & making promises!
What were everyone’s highlights of the day?
Beth (PIE CEO) - It was fantastic to see the Stockport community come together to support our young people to deliver an amazing wellbeing event. Collaboration in Stockport is something we are so proud to be a part of, and something that helps to ensure we are all supporting Stockport residents and making a wider impact.
Munji (PIE School Delivery Coordinator)– I loved being on the registration desk and have people sign up who have just happened to walk past and saw that there was an event. There were lots of grandparents with teenagers to supervise, groups of friends who were looking for something to do in town and curious residents who just wanted to know what was going on. When I explained what the event was for and that it was all funded and free, they were really shocked and expressed how much young people need events like this!
Ciara (PIE Project Support Officer) – I loved organising and delivering some sports day/party games at the event. Different young people came along and joined in together and it was great to see them being active, having fun and getting the chance to meet other young people. It was a great event providing young people with all different types of activities promoting young people’s wellbeing!
Sama (L!STEN Steering Group) – For me it was the fact that I tried doing face painting and glitter because it puts a smile on people’s faces. What surprised me the most was the day ended up being better than I imagined which made me really happy that I contributed to such a wonderful event.
Artemis (L!STEN Steering Group) – I personally loved all of the book related activities. The lucky dip was a great and generous idea. As well as the activity that Wilmott Dixon had planned with making the pyramids and promises. Overall, it was a great day, and I’m so glad to have been part of it. Thank you to everyone.
We think this event was a great success, and we are so pleased to have engaged with so many young people and new organisations! Massive congratulations to the L!STEN Steering Group who had a big part in organising and planning this event - keep a look out for more good things from this group in the months to come...
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