Leyland Health Mela

Saturday, 13th September 2014
11.00am to 4pm
Civic Centre – West Paddock PR25 1DH.

A third outing for Leyland’s very own Festival of Health and Wellbeing.
The Leyland Health Mela – a fair dedicated to the promotion of health and wellbeing, returns to the Civic Centre in West Paddock on Saturday, 13th September between 11.00am and 4.00 pm. It’s fun, friendly, family focused, an opportunity to get on the road to healthy living and it’s free!

Organised by Leyland Rotary Club and the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing, the Health Mela is a fabulous event which will give every visitor the chance to celebrate and promote a healthy community.

Come and visit us!  You won’t have any problems in parking and we can promise you an event with a difference. Here are just a few of the things you can do:

  • Check out stalls packed with ideas for an enjoyable and sustainable life style.
  • Find out all the latest information about the facilities of your local NHS.
  • Make your own vitamin packed drinks on the ‘smoothie’ bike.
  • Sample complementary medicine: Reiki, head massage, yoga etc.
  • Bounce on our castle!
  • Watch dancing, other entertainment and much, much more.
  • Enjoy the refreshments
  • Take a free and confidential health MOT with friendly, professional advice from the University of Manchester Health Olympics Team.

The ‘Health MOT’ is a special feature of the event for adults. We don’t think twice about getting our cars checked out each year to make sure they are running safely. Isn’t it just common sense to take the same care of ourselves?

Last year a large number of people took advantage of the health checks and counselling on offer and, when appropriate, were referred for further advice which in many cases prevented potential problems from getting out of hand. This free ‘Health MOT’, carried out by health professionals, allows you to check out your blood pressure, blood glucose, BMI, sight, hearing, dental health etc. in a friendly non-threatening atmosphere. All visitors taking the MOT get expert advice tailored to their own needs.

The Health Mela this year is to be opened by Professor John Ashton, CBE, President of the UK Faculty of Public Health. Professor Ashton is making a welcome return to the Health Mela having opened the very first of the series over ten years ago in Preston.

Anticipating his visit, Professor Ashton said:
“It is a particular pleasure to return to the Health Mela. The strength of community leadership in Central Lancashire on matters to do with health and wellbeing is an example for the whole country. I am really looking forward spending time in conversation with visitors to the Mela and to meeting with old friends.”

NFHW Chairman, Professor Romesh Gupta, OBE, expressed his pleasure at the return visit saying:
“There are many developments in the Health Mela to show to Professor Ashton since his last visit. In particular we are delighted to have established our collaboration with Rotary International. This is enabling the extension of the Health Mela concept ever further afield both in this country and internationally.”

Visiting the Health Mela is a unique and enjoyable opportunity for all the family to develop their commitment to healthy living. Come and join the fun! You’ll feel better for it.

Notes:

  • The event is jointly organised by the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing and the Rotary Club of Leyland.
  • The pre-event Breakfast meeting at 10.00 am for health professionals and invited guests is on the theme; ‘The challenge of the Ageing Population’
  • Opening to the public at 11.00 am.
  • Fun event with activities and information of interest to all the family.
  • Provides an opportunity to access information and advice on a wide range of health Offers the opportunity to take a Health MOT in friendly, non-threatening atmosphere (includes sight, hearing, blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass index and dental checks).
  • Supported by health professionals from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, Lancashire Care Trust, and the University of Manchester Medical School.
  • Volunteers assisting in the running of the event are from The University of Central Lancashire and Academy@Worden. These organisations will host the Health Melas in Preston and Leyland respectively in 2015.
  • The opening ceremony will be conducted by a national figure: Professor John Ashton President of the UK Faculty of Public Health, in the presence of Honoured Guests the Mayor of South Ribble Borough Council, Cllr. Graham Walton and President of Lancashire and Cumbria RIBI, Rotarian Dr Roger Mason.
  • Health Melas are sponsored by NFHW in association with Rotary International in the North West and further afield. They are nationally recognised as models for community engagement in the promotion of health and well-being.
  • At the 2013 Health Mela, over 220 health checks were carried out and a significant number of visitors were identified for follow-up counselling.