Annual Preston Health Mela - Cancelled - In Response To Corona Virus

Annual Preston Health Mela - Cancelled - In Response To Corona Virus

Mar, 20 2020


~The definition of the word ‘Mela’  is a Sanskrit word meaning 'gathering' or 'to meet' or a 'fair'. It is used in the Indian subcontinent for all sizes of gatherings and can be religious, commercial, cultural or sport-related.

It seems ironic then that an event encouraging people to come together in order to give themselves a health M.O.T. has been curtailed due to an inconvenient virus that is rapidly spreading.

The Health Melas have been established in Preston for a considerable number of years. Each year they are hosted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) and  organised by the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing (NFHW) with essential support from the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and the Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trusts and a wide range of voluntary and statutory organisations.

People come in droves looking to seek valuable advice about their body and mind. Performances are included and organisations are scattered about the University in a bid to raise awareness and increase understanding about a charity or the work they are involved in.

There is a also a wide variety of cultures and food which make The Health Mela so unique and a vital part of the institution and growth of Preston city centre.

The jamboree though has been stopped. Due to the recent outbreak of the Corona Virus, the forthcoming Mela due to take place on Saturday 4th April 2020 all day at UCLAN has been cancelled. Apologies to those that were involved, to the staff at UCLAN, the volunteers and organisers behind what is always a highlight of the calendar year. All of us at The CCG are bitterly disappointed but we hope this means that when it does return it will be as memorable as always.

^Alex Ashworth CCG UK Blogger.