Be Well Peer Support Groups – spotlight on guest speakers

At Be Well Doncaster we run a network of community Peer Support Groups supporting people to live well. You can read all about our groups and view our peer group calendar here: Peer support | BeWell Doncaster

It’s important to us is that residents go away from these groups having learnt or tried something new. Something they can potentially put into practice in their own lives, that hopefully will make them feel better – this might be a breathing technique, a different type of moment/ stretch, some advice around managing their condition, a mindfulness technique or new way of thinking.

The Peer Support Groups are shaped around the needs and preferences of the people who attend. People might be interested in Thai Chi and how it can help manage their chronic pain, how acupuncture can support with poor sleep or how mindfulness and yoga can help manage Type 2 Diabetes. We then invite local groups/health professionals who work in in the communities to come and speak or hold a taster session with the group around the topic of interest. This way we are supporting local groups and businesses and if a resident has enjoyed the session, they have the option of attending regularly in their local community.

We have heard from some wonderful guest speakers over the years and on some occasions, we have also been joined by some lovely working or therapy dogs too. Below are just some of the guest speakers who have attended…

·       Tall Trees Yoga

·       Four Seasons Reflexology

·       NHS Talking Therapies – for anxiety and depression (rdash.nhs.uk)

·       Health | Optimum Pain Management | England (opm.uk.net)

·       Acupuncture On Tour

·       The Point - Doncaster Community Arts

·       MeTime Holistics – Holistic therapies for relaxation and release of tension to rejuvenate your body, mind and mood.

·       Empowered in Nature – wellbeing and personal development

·       ARP Human Centric Solutions Sports Massage (youtube.com)