Wellbeing week promotes positive mental health for Barnsley business community
14 June 2018
Business people in Barnsley are being encouraged to take part in a wellbeing week to promote positive mental health in the workplace.
Barnsley’s Digital Media Centre (DMC) has joined forces with UPLIFT Barnsley to host its first wellbeing week from 18 to 22 June.
During the week a series of free classes, workshops and informal networking events, including yoga, tai chi and stress management classes will take place on the rooftop of the DMC which overlooks the Dearne Valley. The week will end with a rooftop ‘chill out’ night on Friday 22 June.
UPLIFT is a wellbeing programme set up by Creative Recovery - a charity that uses creativity to support recovery, boost wellbeing and bring about social change in Barnsley.
A sound installation by Barnsley artist and co-founder of Creative Recovery, Hayley Youell, and artist Andy Seward, will form the backdrop to activities on the roof, promoting a sense of calm.
The artists were commissioned by the Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership (DVLP) as part of the ‘Art of the Dearne’. The compositions are designed to connect people to the River Dearne which runs through the heart of the Dearne Valley but is often hidden and overlooked.
According to the Office for National Statistics, Britons took 137 million sick days in 2016. Of these, 15.8 million days were for a mental health issue including stress, anxiety, and even more serious conditions such as manic depression and schizophrenia.
Tracey Johnson, project director at the Digital Media Centre (DMC), said: “At the DMC we are keen to encourage positive mental health for our digital business community here and the sound installation will help create a really different place for people to come and spend time.
“The rooftop at the DMC has been designed with thoughtful planting, bean bags and seating and looks out across the beautiful landscape of the Dearne Valley, making it the perfect place to host the sessions and create an oasis of calm for businesses in the DMC and visitors.”
During the week visitors can book to enjoy the view and sound installation or book a place onto one of the workshops or classes. For more information on the wellbeing week at the Digital Media Centre, visit: https://www.barnsleydmc.co.uk/
Notes to editor
Media contact: Charlotte Goldthorpe at Capital B Media on 01226 766900 or at charlotte@capitalbmedia.co.uk
Photograph shows the Digital Media Centre
Barnsley’s Digital Media Centre (DMC), is a landmark hub for digital and creative businesses in Barnsley, and home to ‘Launchpad’ - a programme of support for start-up businesses. The DMC provides workspace, programmes and events for over 45 companies and the wider business community.
Creative Recovery is a people-led charity that uses creativity to support recovery, boost wellbeing and bring about social change in Barnsley.
It supports individuals and families with experience of mental health and/or drug and alcohol issues. It also works to develop communities, challenging stigma and nurturing community spirit, with the aim to create a more accepting, inclusive and creative culture for all. www.creativerecovery.co.uk
UPLIFT is Creative Recovery’s flagship wellbeing project. A creative response to the New Economics Foundation’s ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’, the project aims to engage people in activities that soothe the mind, spark curiosity and reconnect people with themselves, others and the world around them.
Kickstarting conversations about mental wellbeing and self-care strategies, the UPLIFT ethos also encourages people to commit to uplifting themselves, others and the places they live and work. Previous venues for UPLIFT takeovers have ranged from Barnsley Hospital to Wombwell Woods, The National Museums Conference to Goldthorpe High Street, bringing creative activities for people to try whilst also promoting important wellbeing messages to all.
http://upliftbarnsley.blogspot.com / Twitter: @UPLIFTBarnsley
The Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership
The Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership is a five-year scheme running until June 2019, supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more information on the DVLP, visit: www.discoverdearne.org.uk
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)
Thanks to National Lottery players, the HLF invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about - from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk @heritagelottery @HLFYandH
This press release was prepared by Capital B Media, a public relations and media training agency based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. For more information, please visit www.capitalbmedia.co.uk.
