Stress busting event held in Balby

Service users and staff at a Balby drug and alcohol rehabilitation unit have joined organisations around the UK in holding an event to mark Stress Awareness Month (1 to 30 April).

The event at New Beginnings on Marshall Avenue, which is run by Aspire Drug and Alcohol Services, saw service users getting involved in sessions to enhance their mental health and overall wellbeing, enjoying healthy food, and getting on their bikes for some good old fashioned fresh air.

Aspire New Beginnings Team Leader Lesley Chrimes said: “People often use drugs and alcohol to mask, or manage their difficult feelings, but they don’t realise this actually makes them worse.

“As well as providing specialist treatment to help people beat their addiction, we offer groups focusing on the five ways to wellbeing: Connecting with the people around you; keeping physically active; taking notice of your surroundings; learning new skills and giving to other people, which according to research can really help boost our mental wellbeing”

She added: “By holding this event we demonstrated to our service users that simple things such as eating healthy food, engaging in exercise, and even a little laughter therapy can all improve your overall health and wellbeing and really support you to improve your mood.”

To talk to someone in confidence about drug or alcohol issues, please visit Aspire’s live chat at: www.aspire.community, or ring (01302) 730956.

Aspire New Beginnings Team Leader Lesley Chrimes (second from left) and Chris Green of Doncaster Community Leisure Trust (fourth from left) with Aspire staff and service users preparing for a stress busting bike ride around Balby.
Aspire New Beginnings Team Leader Lesley Chrimes (second from left) and Chris Green of Doncaster Community Leisure Trust (fourth from left) with Aspire staff and service users preparing for a stress busting bike ride around Balby.