Where better to take in the fresh air, sights and smells of autumn than at Heaton Park in October?
Walking in nature is a wonderful way to keep warm and well and that’s exactly what 30 local people did at a specially designed event on Tuesday. To help inspire people to get out and about this autumn, leading health and wellbeing charity, Royal Voluntary Service, and long-term partner, Yakult, hosted a free Autumn Nature Walk at Heaton Park on Tuesday 25th October.
Led by local meditation teachers, Annemarie and Sammy from The Crystal Blossom Sisters, participants took a gentle guided stroll through Heaton Park, and came together afterwards at the Heaton Park Farm Centre classroom for some relaxing guided meditation designed to keep the mind and body in balance, ready for when the nights darken and temperatures drop this winter.
Participants took home a goodie bag and a supportive Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide which sets out vital information, including exercise and nutritional advice, energy-saving tips, essential NHS and emergency contact details, and details of how to ensure homes are gas safe.
Karen Kennedy, local activity co-ordinator for Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Thanks to the generous support from our friends at Yakult, the enriching autumnal event was a wonderful afternoon. It was great to see how everyone embraced the opportunity to connect with nature, as those mindful moments are so good for our physical and mental wellbeing. Many of the attendees were sharing how peaceful they felt after the walk and the guided meditation, which was a joy to hear. If they take what they learnt from event with them into winter, then that’s just brilliant.”
Pat, who participated in the event, said: “When we stopped at the open space I closed my eyes and was overwhelmed, it felt like peace was beaming in. For that minute, all tension was released. It’s made a big difference to me, and I’ll take what I’ve learnt today with me in future. I wish I could feel like this all of the time.”
Reshma Patel, Yakult UK & Ireland, said: “For some people, the winter months bring very real risks to health and wellbeing, exacerbated this year by the rising cost of living. Through our partnership with Royal Voluntary Service, we are supporting a programme of free wellbeing activities in local communities as well as online activities at the Virtual Village Hall. Our Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide, which is packed with useful information, is also available to anyone that needs it. This is part of Yakult’s long-term commitment and mission to support health and happiness.”
The Stay Safe, Warm and Well guide produced by Royal Voluntary Service and Yakult and an accompanying informative video can be viewed here.
For those unable to get out and about to activities locally, Royal Voluntary Service has designed the Virtual Village Hall, an online activity hub and community to help people stay physically and mentally active, connected and having fun. From crafts to Zumba, singing to meditation, there are 1,000 free sessions available to view on-demand, with new content added regularly. Sessions are live streamed daily on Facebook, search @VirtualVillageHall. Followers take part in real time or view on-demand via the Royal Voluntary Service website or YouTube. It is free to join and take part, and a Facebook profile is not required. Where activities require equipment, ingredients or materials, these are low-cost and easy to source.
