Successful Health and Wellbeing Event Brings Community Together at Rivermead Leisure Centre

Local residents came together at Rivermead Leisure Centre on Wednesday 17 June for a vibrant and engaging Health and Wellbeing event, designed to promote healthier lifestyles and connect people with local support services.

The event, organised by Healthwise Coordinator Jemma Allen, welcomed over 100 attendees, who took full advantage of a wide range of interactive activities, health checks, and information stalls.

A variety of local organisations were present, offering expert advice and support. These included Understanding Dementia, Together for Mental Wellbeing, Living Well Taking Control, several Reading Borough Council teams, alongside many others. Attendees also benefited from a Dementia Information Talk delivered by Age UK Berkshire, helping to raise awareness and understanding of dementia support in the community.

Throughout the day, visitors were encouraged to get involved in practical activities that supported both physical and mental wellbeing. Popular features included diabetes risk checks, blood pressure monitoring, fun gym challenges, racket sports sessions and free smoothies, ensuring there was something for everyone to engage with.

The event was further supported by a visit from Mayor Paul Gittings, who spent time meeting stallholders, speaking with attendees, and showing his support for initiatives that promote community health and wellbeing.

Jemma Allen, Healthwise Coordinator, said:

“It was fantastic to see so many people come together and engage with the event. Providing accessible opportunities for people to learn about their health, try new activities, and connect with local services is so important. The turnout and feedback really show the value of events like this in our community.”

The event highlighted the importance of partnership working across local organisations, ensuring residents have access to the support and resources they need to lead healthier, more connected lives.