Health Mela Reflection April 18th 2015
Apr, 27 2015
If somebody had said to the organisers of a health and well being event in 2001 that it would develop over a fourteen year period and become an established element for Preston’s multi cultural city life the response would probably be sniggers and lack of conviction.
The truth is, that is exactly what has happened. Now in it’s 14th year the annual ‘Health Mela’ took place on April 18th 2015 at the Foster building UCLAN from 11am in the morning till 4 0’clock in the afternoon. 90 health related stalls filled Foster, hundreds of people attended and our very own Russell Hogarth received a fellowship award in response to his dedication and services to the Mela over the years.
Here is what Russell said on receiving his award, “ It was very humbling and totally unexpected. I’m truly honoured they value my contribution to the organisation and for the very kind words everybody said”.
Russell amongst others had the opportunity to experience complementary therapies which included acupuncture and reiki. Children were also catered for with entertainment and competitions for youngsters.
The Foster building was home for the Mela on the 18th April and students and staff gathered from other sectors of the university covering, health, pharmacy and biomedical sciences, psychology, journalism and media, social work, sport, tourism and the outdoors and the Lancashire law school. Additionally there was the standard VIP breakfast meeting in which members of the UCLAN board joined as well as staff members.
The Health Mela reached new grounds by having it based at UCLAN this year ( 2015) for the first time. The team aim to strive for the same if not increased attendance at the next and continuous melas. Due to the fast pace of life many people endure, health and well being could be neglected, which is why events such as the Mela help to focus on a person’s health whilst associating freely at the venue and enjoying the food, drink and fun on offer too. For many it’s an opportunity to promote their own organisation but it’s also a time to care about the needs of it’s participants be it blood tests, reiki or eye tests. Above all, it’s about health and well being and connecting with the community.
Honorary fellow Russell Hogarth has these closing comments,
“ The event itself was a tremendous success. The feedback that I received throughout the day and via social media has been truly remarkable. It was definitely a team effort all-round and a great example of collaboration between UCLAN and the community”.
Thank you everyone for attending. See you all next year !
