West Suffolk Health Festival, in Bury St Edmunds, organised by the Eastern Education Group, could return in summer 2025

A new health festival believed to be a first for West Suffolk attracted almost 200 people on Saturday.

Organised by the Eastern Education Group, the event took place at the University Professional Development Centre, in Bury St Edmunds.

The aim of the free festival was to address common health concerns and help people in the town lead healthier lives.

Virginia Planas, event organiser, said she was grateful to everyone who visited the festival and the health organisations which showcased their work.

The practising nurse, midwife and strategic NHS and healthcare partnership manager at the Eastern Education Group, said: “The focus has been on empowering people to take charge of their health so that they can lead better lives in the long run.

“It was amazing, and the feedback has been fantastic.”

“We had 17 stands, and workshops ran throughout the day.

“The key message was to seek support, be proactive about your health, and take advantage of the services available,” added Virginia.

Those attending the festival participated in a range of talks and
workshops that focussed on mental health, nutrition, fitness and menopause.

Kynleigh Parker, a former West Suffolk College student, gave a talk on
endometriosis.

She said: “March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, so this was a great
opportunity to share my story, spread awareness, and encourage conversations.

“The session went really well - it provided a safe space for people to share
their experiences, which was very special.”

Another contributor to the festival was Michelle Glasswell, a mammographer at West Suffolk Hospital.

She said: “We came along to increase the uptake in breast screening, make
it less intimidating, and encourage more people to attend their appointments.”

One special guest was Barney, a therapy dog from Pets As Therapy.

Sue Hollands, who attended with Barney, said: “It was his first outing,
he's never done anything like it before, and he throughly enjoyed all the
attention.”

Health organisations attending the event included: Suffolk Mind, West
Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, the Apollo Project, West Suffolk
Alliance and Suffolk and North East Essex (SNEE) ICB.

It is hoped another health festival will take place in the summer.