On Wednesday 11th March, the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education will host its annual Health Fayre, with the theme of ‘Looking after the whole you’. College students, young people and the general public are invited to find out about healthy choices and local support agencies.
A wide range of topics will be addressed by almost forty voluntary and statutory agencies including Noble’s Dietetic team encouraging healthy eating, Manx Telecom with advice about keeping safe on-line and Isle of Man Anti-Cancer explaining how to check for lumps and bumps. College students and staff will address managing stress, the impact of salt in the diet and the benefits of getting involved in the Student Council. There will also be fitness tips from the Isle of Man Football Association, sexual health and contraception advice from the GUM Clinic and drug risk awareness from DASH.
Yoga sessions will be available, as will various free treatments aimed at helping participants relax, address stress and feel good including Reiki, Rossiter Technique and Kinesiology. College Hair and Beauty students will offer back and Indian head massage, manicures, skin bar, face mapping, brow bar, gents’ and ladies’ hair-cuts, braiding and ‘hair-ups’.
Local charities including the Red Cross, Cruse Bereavement Care, Samaritans, Housing Matters, Bridge the Gap, Motiv8, the Alzheimers Society and Victim Support will also be on hand to discuss their various support services.
Julie Bibby, Manager for Pastoral Support at the College said; “We are delighted so many local agencies will be attending the Fayre to provide information of real relevance to young people in their everyday lives. It is also pleasing that many of our own students are getting involved in encouraging each other to think about their health and well-being. The stands will address the full meaning of health – physical, mental and social well-being, in a way which is interactive, informative and fun”.
Kate Bergquist, Health and Well-being Co-ordinator, added; “The Fayre takes place during our Healthy College week, when students and staff will be able to access a variety of health and well-being initiatives each day. We hope there will be something for everyone, including yoga, step aerobics, a badminton tournament, lunchtime gym visit, a porridge morning, mindfulness and a healthy food options day”.
The Fayre will be opened at 9.15 a.m by Hon. Tim Crookall, Minister for Education, and Dudley Butt, MLC, Member for Health Services, and will run until 1.00 p.m. A programme of activities will be available at the College Reception. While the Fayre is targeted at younger people, everyone is welcome to attend.
