HELPP @ Glencorse

HELPP is delighted to announce the launch of a new course aimed at the partners of soldiers stationed at Penicuik’s Glencorse barracks.

The free Healthy Living Course will cover salsa, yoga, pilates, healthy eating and relaxation. As part of our ongoing commitment to working with different groups to tailor courses specifically for their needs we’re holding an introductory session so that participants have their say about the content and structure of the course.

The introductory session will take place on Tuesday 15th April at 5.30pm, Scot’s Corner at Glencorse.

For more information please contact Dawn Muir on 07780 957 291 or visit our publications page.

HELPP Update: Evaluation and Monitoring

HELPP’s Business Plan, which was agreed in December last year after our major community consultation exercise, included an extensive monitoring and evaluation commitment.

As well as continuing our equal opportunities monitoring we are also now evaluating the affect all our groups, courses, programmes and events have on mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing, behaviour and community involvement.

So far the results from our Pilates Group (a spin off from WWHAM in Woodburn), our Men’s Health Group and our work with Ageing Well at Baldwin Court sheltered housing have been overwhelmingly positive.

You’ll be able to read the results soon – they’ll be posted on our Publications Page and a summary of all the findings so far will be included in our next newsletter and on this blog. The newsletter will be available before the end of April.

Young People in Gorebridge

HELPP is pleased to annouce a new eight week course for young people, aged 11 to 17, in Gorebridge. The course, in partnership with GO and the Gorebridge Community Development Trust, will provide young people who attend the GO group to access information on physical and mental health and healthy eating.

The course will run from 7pm to 9pm every Tuesday, starting on the 8th of April. The Gorebridge Community Development Trust will host the course at 58 Main Street.

The eight week course – devised with input from Steve Munroe of the GO Project, Laura Adamson from HELPP and the young people themselves – will include contributions from HELPP staff, Midlothian Young People’s Advice Service (MYPAS) and CHIRP. 

As well as being shown simple excercise techniques and easy tips for healthy eating the young people will be asked what kind of healthy food they would like to learn about and what skills they would like to learn for themselves.

For more information contact Laura on 0131 660 5055 or email laura@helpp.org.uk 

Penicuik Maps Launched – And More

HELPP maintains a prescence at community and health events in Midlothian. Often this means showing our display boards or providing IT support. In the last couple of weeks I have been lucky enough to attend two Ageing Well events.

Ageing Well seeks to promote and maintain the health of people over 50 by using the skills and experience of older people. Ageing Well activities in Midlothian include guided walks, singing, dance class, tai chi and yoga. The project is supported by the hard work of a dedicated team of Ageing Well volunteers.

The first event (pictured) was the launch a new guide map called “Seven Health Walks in and around Penicuik.” The map follows the success of a similar guide for Dalkeith. At the launch there was also the chance to see a new DVD, put together by Penicuik Health Walk Leader Colin Herd, showcasing the work of Ageing Well in Midlothian.

The second event was the annual review of Ageing Well projects around the Lothians. Colin’s DVD was again very well received.

HELPP is increasing its partnership work with groups throughout the county and will shortly begin courses in sheltered housing complexes throughout Midlothian.

For more information on Ageing Well contact Kath Laing, Project Coordinator, on 01968 664088 or email kath.laing@midlothian.gov.uk 

If you would like HELPP to display our work at an event you are running please call the office on 0131 660 5055.