July 14, 2006 – LSP 2/06

The first of three special events across the district is being held at Kingston Fields, Woodbridge on Saturday, July 29 to offer information and advice on where and how people can improve their quality of life.

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.

“Although this district is officially one of the healthiest in the country, we know that there are still many people who experience poor health or stress-related problems without knowing who they can turn to,” said Councillor Sherrie Green, member of the Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership.

“This event will help people to get in touch with the large local network of organisations that can help, with lots of information on what our hardworking voluntary sector and organisations such as the Council can offer.

“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 Green.

Among the organisations taking part are Just 42, Suffolk Acre, Stepping out in Suffolk, and Woodbridge 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.

Suffolk Coastal’s Active Leisure team will be bringing its mobile skatepark and a training sailing dinghy for children to try out as well as organising other sporting activities.   Woodbridge Rugby Club will also be organising activities including a TAG rugby session for anyone to join in at the end of the afternoon.
Visitors who are not quite up to skateboarding or rugby but still want to know how to keep fit through exercise will have the chance to join in with more gentle exercise sessions.

“The event is also about getting feedback about the services on offer in the district.  An adult consultation kiosk will give visitors the chance 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,” added Councillor Green.

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.

Similar events will be held at the Coronation Sports Ground, Felixstowe on Sunday, August 20 and Victory Road Park, Leiston on Saturday, September 2.