People are being invited to head to Leverndale Hospital in Glasgow next month, for a day of activities, fun and entertainment.
On Saturday 14th September, the hospital is staging its fifth Meander for Mental Health – an award-winning initiative led by the physiotherapy team at Leverndale, with the aim of promoting walking as a way of managing mental health, reducing the stigma of mental illness and bringing the hospital and its local community together.
The project has grown from humble beginnings and now has two other events, Mambo for Mental Health and Pedal for Progress, and the group continues to lead on promoting physical activity across the site and opening opportunities that benefit the hospital and its local community.
Their efforts led to them being named as Gold Award winners in the Better Health category at this year’s NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Staff Excellence Awards – and the team is hoping the accolade will help them deliver the best Meander event ever this year.
Angela Watson, Physiotherapy Team Lead at Leverndale, said: “Winning Gold at the Excellence Awards this year was such a huge boost for everyone involved in Meander for Mental Health and our wider efforts to promote physical activity at Leverndale.
“We’re really excited about this year’s event, and we’d like to invite everyone along to join in the fun, whether you live in the area or outside, are an in-patient of the hospital or a member of staff, visitor or carer.
“You can come along by yourself or bring your friends and family – there’s fun to be had for all ages and abilities. The event is free and there will a host of activities, stalls and attractions, and our café will be open so you can enjoy a range of drinks and snacks throughout the day.”
As well activities such as guided walks, dance, yoga and tai chi, visitors will be able to enjoy face painting and live music, stalls and information stands – and everyone who registers and completes a walk will receive a special goodie bag on the day.
There will be a chance to explore the Leverndale grounds and the hospital’s range of adaptive bikes will be available for cyclists of all abilities to try out. Members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be on hand, along with a fire engine, as a special treat for visitors.
Meander for Mental Health starts from 11:00am at the administration building (site entrance B), Leverndale Hospital, and finishes at 3:00pm.
To register for free, please go to the Meander for Mental Health Eventbrite page.
Led walks start at 11:30am and 1.30pm and a led easy run will start at 2pm at the administration building (site entrance B),
The events held at Recreational Therapy will be Tai Chi at 11:15 and 12:45, Yoga at 11:45 and 13:15 and Easy Dance at 12:15 and 13:45.
For more information on the day including walk maps, check out the Meander for Mental Health Facebook page.
