Hulme Celebrates International Women’s Day with a health and wellbeing day

Women partake in a day filled with activities to help their mental health and wellbeing for International Women’s Day in Hulme

At the Moss Side Leisure Centre were drop-in sessions which welcomed women to join the space and drop in at the various ongoing activities. The event was a collaboration between Manchester City Council and academics from the Health and Education Institute at Manchester Met.

In conversation with Sophie O’Neil at the event, she said: “There is an aging population and young families in Hulme. This event is an opportunity to bring women together, supporting wellbeing and mental health. It allows people who are in similar situations to talk together”

Association for Women in Policing

At the event there were different stalls, practices and businesses including GMP, Manchester City Council and many more.

PSCO Daniels and PSCO McNamara from the Association for Women in Policing (AWP) were promoting the inclusivity of women in policing. PSCO Daniels said, “The role for women in policing has changed over the years.”

The AWP hosts a number of events and workshops that supports and teaches women in certain areas such as IVF and fertility. PSCO Daniels said: “Things like support for ladies going through menopause and how to deal with it and things like working parttime and flexible patterns for mothers.”

‘It’s about making things more accessible for women’

PSCO McNamara, Association for Women in Policing

Manchester City Council

Benjamin Tolbot, a neighbourhood community development officer from Manchester city council said: “The best thing about my role is I get to meet residents, parents and students. I get to find out how to support their health and wellbeing and work to support them.

If we ask the people first it empowers them to get involved in their community to build a better place.”

The council provided cost-of-living information, Benjamin added: “We know it’s really difficult for women at the moment. We want to tell people about the activities going on in their local area. “

There is an age-friendly network the council urged women to sign up to. The network is a community of older people who start activities. They build friendships to support each other during the cost-of-living crisis.

Pranic Healing

The Pranic Healing Institute of the UK promoted non-touch therapy. It uses external energy to draw in to help women heal. Pardeep Robinson from the institute said: “There are particular things that women want to heal. Pranic healing helps from specific ailments to menopause.”

Pranic healing is accessible to all women. Pardeep said: “Pranic healing is something everybody can learn and do themselves.” Pranic healing therapy is available across Manchester.

At the leisure centre, there was also a craft corner for women to engage whilst having a tea and chatting with others.

Librarian, Paula Carley said: “Making art is a fantastic form of mindfulness. I often see folk become completely absorbed in their process. It’s a fantastic way to take some time out. It’s also a lovely way of meeting and chatting with others.”