A massive 1000 people came to the Essex Care and Support - “Health and Wellbeing” conference on 4^th September.  The theme was chosen by people supported by the care and support service in Essex, and they came along with their families, staff and our stakeholders.  The day was an opportunity for everyone to try new activities, think about their own health, be pampered and generally have some fun!  Held in 2 impressive thirteenth century barns and their grounds, the conference gave people the chance to sample everything from tai-chi to massage, from drumming to smoothies and from football to a climbing wall.  Lunch was provided in the form of the winning sandwich, wrap and cake from a healthy recipes competition held in the lead up with other recipes being included in a recipe book on the day.

Here are some of the things Yvonne Arrowsmith, Group Director for Essex and Care and Support remembers from the conference:

• A young Mum stating ‘I could never get my daughter to eat fruit, but she loves the smoothies so now I know what to do.’

• One of the winning football team, said ‘I hadn’t played since school but now I am going to carry on.’

• A service user with learning disabilities said ‘I didn’t know what Mango was, but its lovely’.

• Some of our teenage parents getting wax models of their babies feet ‘we can keep these forever’.

• Watching a little boy, about 4 years old stuffing his pockets with snacks, which turned out to be raisins and apple chunks.

• And many more…………………although we didn’t win with everyone, when offered a healthy sandwich or wrap one service user asked for burger and chips!!!!.

And from the tenants:

It was totally brilliant – our tenants loved it!  One of our very shy young dads took part in many activities and his partner was delighted to see him ‘letting himself go’ – what a triumph!  The theme was just right and our day was really focused around healthy living and eating – something we go on about forever here with the parents and babies.  Thank you for all your hard work.

And Tenants:

• An excellent day.  My baby Amy enjoyed herself so much she maxed out

•  Brilliant day out, had loads of fun

•  It was great day, everyone was so friendly

• It woz banging

• Really good fun, lots to see and do, and informative

• It has been a lovely and wonderful day….brilliant and well organised…Cheers!

• Something for all, a great day

• Very relaxed and a fun atmosphere

• Lots of different things to do

• Loved it! Didn’t know what to expect, it was great