Type=image;ImageID=12124;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Steve Downs from Wildside Activity;TitleClass=strong;
Type=image;ImageID=12125;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Showcasing ways WV Active can help;TitleClass=strong;
#SmallGoodThings gave people the chance to find out about the help and support available from voluntary and community groups, and also share the little things they do which make other people - and themselves - feel better.
Joining members of the public at the event, held at the Bob Jones Community Hub in Blakenhall, were representatives of more than 30 community organisations, charities and health and social care providers.
Councillor Roger Lawrence, Chair of Wolverhampton's Health and Wellbeing Board, said: "We know that even little things can make a big difference to a person's quality of life, and this unique event aimed to celebrate the many small, good things taking place in our City which people could benefit from.
"By bringing people together - community activities, charities and individuals - we have been able to start conversations, not just between local residents and the organisations which may be able to improve their lives in one way or another, but between the organisations themselves who before yesterday may not have been fully aware of one another or the services they provide.
"At the same time, we hope to have inspired people to become more active in their own communities, either by taking part in something that is already going on, or by setting up an event or activity which would benefit them or someone they know."
Among those taking part in Tuesday's event was Steve Downs, from Wildside Activity Centre based in Whitmore Reans. He said: "This was a great opportunity for us to showcase the small good things that we offer at Wildside Activity Centre, and particularly the way in which we can help children and families improve their health and wellbeing by enjoying the great outdoors in the heart of Wolverhampton."
Also taking part were organisations including WV Active, Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council, the University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton's Healthy Lifestyles Team, NCT Wolverhampton, Wolves Community Trust, Alzheimer's Society, the Carers Forum, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service, Old Tree Nursery, SUIT and African Caribbean Community Initiative.
Other participants included Aspiring Futures, Compton Hospice's Compassionate Communities project, Gatis Community Space, Wolverhampton Telecare, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Welfare Rights Service, Wolverhampton Healthy Minds, HealthWatch Wolverhampton, Community Pathways and Enable, the council's Disability Employment Team, all of whom showcased their services in a marketplace.
In addition, the day featured presentations from individuals and groups about the #SmallGoodThings they do, as well as drama presentations and workshops on a range of subjects including mental health and wellbeing and how people can come up with good ideas which would benefit the local community and put them into practice.
There was also a demonstration of self help resources such as Type=links;Linkid=8150;Title=Wolverhampton Information Network;Target=_blank; - a one stop shop packed with help, advice, ideas and information for individuals, families, communities and service providers - and speed dating-style sessions through which people got to know more about what's on offer in the city.
Councillor Lawrence said: "This event was not a one-off - it is part of our City's desire to empower people to improve the health and wellbeing of themselves and other people. We intend to follow it with a series of community roadshows where we will be able to further promote the wide range of help, support and activities which is available in our local neighbourhoods."
Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council is running a series of #OurPlace events across the City where participants can meet other people who care about where they live, share ideas and get support on how to grow their ideas. For more details, please visit Type=links;Linkid=8148;Title=Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council;Target=_blank;.
To find out more about some of the help and support on offer in Wolverhampton, or to submit details of events, activities and services which you are involved in and wish to publicise to others, please visit Type=links;Linkid=8150;Title=Wolverhampton Information Network;Target=_blank;.
- released: Thursday 16 February, 2017