On Saturday 30th September, Newcastle upon Tyne locals are being invited to join a free Tai Chi session in the park, hosted by ParkLives Newcastle and Mental Health Mates.
Taking place at Exhibition Park, the event will start with a gentle stroll around the park aimed at encouraging people to enjoy the city’s green spaces while talking to each other about themselves without fear or judgement. The group walk willthen be followed by a free Tai Chi session outside the park café where walkers can relax and unwind.
The session is part of ParkLives Newcastle’s partnership with Mental Health Mates – a national peer support group established by Bryony Gordon, Telegraph columnist and author of the Sunday Times bestseller ‘Mad Girl’. The network’s philosophy is simple; offer a safe space for people to walk and talk about their problems without fear of judgement.
Bryony Gordon, founder of Mental Health Mates said: “We’re really excited that ParkLives is getting behind such an important cause, and helping us to spread the message of Mental Health Mates. What started as a small idea just 18 months ago, is now all across the country, and we hope that we can inspire even more people with this venture”
Natalie Hall, MHM Newcastle walking group leader said: “Speaking from my own experience, joining a walking group is a great way to help improve your overall wellbeing. For people with mental health issues, talking while doing light exercise such as walking can be hugely beneficial, helping them to feel that they’re not alone.
“Our walking group meets on the last Saturday of every month at Exhibition Park and this month we’re excited to welcome the ParkLives team, who will be showing us how to practice the art of Tai Chi – something I’m sure our group will really enjoy!”
Councillor Kim McGuinness, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities, said: “In Newcastle we’re very lucky to have beautiful parks. ParkLives has helped us to encourage more people to use their local parks to get active. Exhibition Park is the perfect location for a Tai Chi session. It’s a fab, green, peaceful park and yet so close to the city centre. It would be great to see lots of residents attend and experience the well known impact Tai Chi has on both physical and mental wellbeing.”
Liz Lowe, ParkLives lead at Coca-Cola Great Britain, said: “Through all the stories which come back to us about ParkLives, we know how a walk in the park with others can be good for the mind, body and soul. There are so many free sessions and activities on offer in Newcastle – and up and down the country – that we hope more people will get involved in events like these and benefit from them.”
Now in its fourth year in Newcastle, ParkLives runs in 10 cities and 35 further communities nationwide and is part of a £20 million commitment by Coca-Cola Great Britain to invest in community-based programmes. Activities in 12 of the city’s parks are delivered by teams from Newcastle City Council and are designed to help to bring communities together and improve wellbeing.
To join in with the ParkLives and Mental Health Mates event, email mentalhealthmatesnewcastle@gmail.com or on Facebook search @mentalhealthmatesnewcastle where you will be able to sign up to the event, or simply turn up on the day.
The meeting point for the walk is at the entrance gates to Exhibition Park, Claremont Road, NE2 4PZ at 11:00am. The walking leader is Natalie and the Tai Chi session leader is Wendy Choi Ling Chan. For those just wanting to take part in the Tai Chi, please meet outside “The Café in the Park” at 11:30am.