August 9, 2006 – LSP 4/06

The Coronation Sports Ground, Felixstowe will be the place to be on Sunday, August 20 when it hosts the Quality of Life event which will be offering helpful advice and information for all sections of the community.

Organised by Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership and Suffolk Strategic Partnership, the event from 10am to 3pm aims to put people in touch with the local organisations that can help them and also promote healthy living.

“Not everyone who experiences poor health or stress-related problems knows who they can turn to.  This event has lots of information on organisations including the voluntary sector and Suffolk Coastal District Council who can help them,” said Councillor Ray Herring, Chairman of the Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership.

“There will also be lots of information on how a healthy lifestyle can help you feel better and among the stalls will be information on activities for both ends of the age spectrum, personal and community safety, rural projects and healthy walks,” continued Councillor Herring.

Among the organisations taking part are Felixstowe Town Council who will be promoting healthy living through gardening and allotments, Suffolk Acre, Stepping out in Suffolk and Suffolk Police.

Information about Suffolk Carers, Age Concern, East Suffolk MIND, Homestart Coastal and the Patient Advice and Liaison Service will be available as well as lots of tips on a healthy lifestyle from healthy eating and physical activity to preventing falls and responsible drinking.

To encourage people to take up exercise, tennis taster sessions are being organised by Felixstowe Tennis Club, Level 2 dance group – ‘Tru Soldiers’ - will be giving dance demonstrations and encouraging people to join in and for those who prefer more gentle exercise there will be some seated sessions. Children will be able to try out a sailing training dinghy in the safety of dry land.

People who want to get more active in their community by giving up some of their spare time to support the efforts of the voluntary sector, can visit the SAVO (Suffolk Association of Voluntary Services) stand to find out how they can become involved.

The event is also about getting feedback about the services on offer in the district.  At the adult consultation kiosk visitors will be able to ask questions about services, what they would like to see improved and what they think is already working well and should be maintained.  Children and young people can use the ‘Big Brother’ pod – a quiet area to express their views on what they feel about the area, local services and what they would like provided or improved.

 “We are expecting a big crowd at this event as this year’s festival of football is being held in the park at the same time.  Not only will visitors have the chance to support their team but they will also be able to get useful information and advice that could help them improve the quality of their life,” added Councillor Herring.  

The last of the three roadshows will be held at Victory Road Park, Leiston on Saturday, September 2.