Touchwood to support Mental Health with Wellbeing Retreat
Touchwood Solihull will be supporting Mental Health Awareness Week and Dementia Action Week (15 -21 May) by transforming its Wellbeing Retreat and providing key tools and training to staff and guests.
Last year, Touchwood launched its Wellness Retreat for World Mental Health Day. Originally a one-week project, the retreat proved to be so popular - with over 8,000 visitors - that it is now an ongoing, free facility within the shopping centre.
This month, Touchwood 's Wellness Retreat will focus on anxiety. The team at the retreat will be transformed into superheroes, each representing a different illness, including a Dementia Hero, an Autism Hero, a Cancer Hero and a Parkinson 's Hero.
Dressed for the occasion, the superheroes will offer a safe space for advice and support, whilst also handing out materials including 500 gratitude badges, superhero mask templates and colouring sheets for kids.
The centre will also stage a sing-along for mental health on Saturday 20 May from 1pm, delivered by Teresa 'Reza ' Farrell, founder of the Wellness Retreat, to uplift visitors. Reza will be inviting guests to join in some family favourites to bring some cheer to the afternoon.
Touchwood will simultaneously be raising awareness for Dementia Action Week, working closely with local care home Blossomfield Rose to provide key training and tools for Touchwood 's team and tenants. This partnership with Blossomfield Rose allows the front-of-house team to be equipped to help any guests that may be living with dementia.
In support of the cause, a group of volunteers has been knitting a giant scarf for Touchwood 's infamous Gorilla, which will be unveiled on Monday 15th May. Passers-by will be able to stop and reflect, with the centre 'turning blue ' with forget-me-not signage to signify unified support for Dementia Action Week.
Lucy Burnett, Marketing manager at Touchwood, said: “We are delighted to raise awareness for both Mental Health Awareness Week and Dementia Action Week here at Touchwood.
“The wellbeing of our guests and team is a priority to us, so the transformation of the Wellbeing Retreat and delivery of training with Blossomfield Rose ensures that the local community can seek support when needed, in a friendly and safe space. ”
Teresa Farrell, founder of the Wellness Retreat, added: “We are so pleased that the retreat has been so popular with Touchwood 's guests and can 't wait to launch our team of 'superheroes ' for Mental Health Awareness Week. ”
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