We are People First Keighley (PFKC) and Craven, a self-advocacy group that supports people with learning disabilities and people who are neurodivergent. We created the Inclusive Wellbeing Festival, and we wanted to tell you about it. “It was lovely jubbly,” said Rebecca, a member of PFKC

When we had to cancel one of our popular wellbeing events (our Positivity Pop-Ups with Bradford People First), our Thursday group got together to discuss something we’d all noticed: that there is a real lack of representation of disabled people within the wellbeing industry.

We wanted to focus on the importance of exercise and selfcare for both our bodies and minds, and we wanted to talk about moving to feel good. (It was important that we spoke about wellbeing without talking about numbers on a scale.) We wanted to make tools for body and mind, such as mindfulness, yoga and Pilates, and so on, that are accessible to all, regardless of ability or background.

The festival became a two-week celebration of inclusivity, championing practitioners working inclusively and inspiring conversations that led to real change.

Inclusivity
We began at Broughton Hall, a remarkable place which holds a special significance to our organisation. Kirran Shah led us with mindful exercises that evolved with each day. We were joined by Becky from Missfits Workout. Becky’s revolutionary approach to fitness, emphasising inclusivity for all, resonated with everyone. “I loved her,” said member, Tracey.

Next, Sam from Inclusfit, shared her workshop of joyful seated dance exercises and ball games. Her leadership was especially inspirational.

Members, Amy and Jane, invited their dance teachers Christine and Peter for a fun line-dancing session.

We are proud that the festival showcased both experts and members, such as Adrian, who led us with a warm-up session, Lindsey’s cheerleading and David’s stretching session. Janet Clarke, our incredible team leader, then delivered a session on the M-Technique hand massage which proved very popular with members.

Next, the incomparable Kate Stanforth and Chris Bartholomew-Fox ran a dynamic session, creating music from random sounds, for an innovative dance piece. The workshop focused on storytelling. “It was amazing,” said member, Caitlin.

Beautiful
On Wednesday, we walked to Cliffe Castle, a local treasure in Keighley, where we were led by our members who were inspired by their Walk Leader training with Val Preston.

Social prescriber, Midge Driver, from AWC Modality, joined us and led a beautiful meditation at the fountain.

Nana Crawford of JiggleFiiT, led an energising session of Afrobeats, dancehall, and body confidence on Thursday. “She was supe-amazing” said member, Wayne.

The fantastic team from Eat, Move, Be Happy added to the fun with more exercises and ball games.

We then had an empowering confidence session with Angela Sandland and Katie Abey and their laughter yoga which had us in stitches. They certainly lived up to their name of ‘Happiness Enchanters’, member, Tom said it was “Bonkers good!”

Awareness
Raising awareness of invisible illness, creative duo, Innabox, brought a wonderfully crafty twist to the festival, becoming a firm favourite.

Coach, Sean Farnell, delivered a most non-traditional football workshop. “It was fantastic1”, exclaimed member, Ish.

Our final activity was a Makaton workshop for staff, members and volunteers. Frontline Makaton for general wellbeing was taught by Shelagh Crossley. (It will be incredibly helpful to aid wellbeing conversations.)

Thank you to staff, members and volunteers of PFKC who went above and beyond to make the festival happen. Many thanks also to The Bradford Wellbeing Grant and Asda for their help. Lastly, a big thank you to Broughton Hall and Cliffe Castle for being such warm hosts and for helping to make our festival such a success. We look forward to next year.

Visit: www.peoplefirstkc.com