A new festival is coming to Thetford with the aim of transforming healthcare in the Brecks.
On the 13th of March, BFER and the Restoration Trust are holding a Wellbeing Festival at The Carnegie to improve and increase the use of social prescribing in the Brecks. The idea is to connect medical prescribers with local groups and organisations who can facilitate social prescriptions.
What is social prescribing?
Studies have shown time spent in nature has a huge number of benefits, from reducing blood pressure and anxiety to a lesser risk of diabetes and depression. As such, it has become more common for healthcare professionals to prescribe time in nature alongside their usual treatments. Usually, this means patients joining existing projects and activities that connect with their communities and the natural world. In 2019 the NHS incorporated social prescribing into its care model. Social prescribing is used for individuals with long term conditions, low level mental health issues, complex social needs which affect their wellbeing and anyone struggling with loneliness and isolation.
The hope is to widen the reach of medical professionals in the area, giving more options to social prescribers and those in their care, as well as strengthening connections with local organisations.
There will be stalls from many local community organisations such as the Green Light Trust, outdoor swimming groups, Brandon Angling Club, and Recovery College.
Dawn Bainbridge, Senior Engagement Manager at the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Professor Sally Hardy from the University of East Anglia will be giving talks and there will be a range of activities too. Grimes Graves and Ancient House Museum will have collections of hands-on exhibits, Nicky from Sound and Ground will bring a range of musical instruments used in sound baths and Bush Adventures will even be toasting marshmallows over a campfire.
The event is mainly aimed at connecting social prescribers with local organisations; however, we have opened up some free places for individuals who feel they may benefit from learning more. If you feel your wellbeing would be improved by joining a local group or, if you have benefitted from social prescribing before and would like to explore new opportunities, this event could be the start.
As spaces are limited, booking is essential. You can book and learn more by calling us on 01473 265600 or on the events page of our website: brecks.org/events/the-brecks-wellbeing-festival/
The Brecks Wellbeing Festival
Who can attend?
- The festival invites BFER partners and Brecks based heritage, arts, and wildlife organisations offering activities and volunteering opportunities that support positive wellbeing.
- Norfolk and Suffolk healthcare organisations and social prescribers operating in the Brecks.
- Individuals who feel they may benefit from learning more. If you feel your wellbeing would be improved by joining a local group or, if you have benefitted from social prescribing before and would like to explore new opportunities.
Booking: Free to attend. Due to limited spaces, booking is essential. Register now via the BFER Eventbrite or call BFER to book via phone (T: 01473 265600)
When: Wednesday 13th March
Where: The Carnegie, Cage Ln, Thetford, IP24 2EA
What three words: ///polishing.agenda.consults
Time: 10.30am-3.15pm (Arrival and registration from 10.30am. Opening talks from 11am. The event will conclude with a closing talk at 3pm)
Refreshments: Teas and coffees, and a light buffet lunch will be provided
Travel: Thetford bus station is approximately 10 minutes walking distance from the Carnegie. Thetford train station is located approximately 15 minutes walk from the Carnegie. There are also multiple large free carparks located a short walking distance from the Carnegie (such as Cage Lane, Tanner Street, and School Lane).
