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An edible take on recovery

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Tuesday, 13 July 2010
The Glasgow Association for Mental Health (GAMH) has launched a Food for Recovery Festival.

gamh_lovelyday_quote_foodfestThe festival highlights the work that GAMH has been doing over the past year to create opportunities for service users and carers to participate in food-related activities that support well-being and promote recovery.

The launch took place on June 18th, and featured SRN’s Simon Bradstreet as keynote speaker, a market hall of stalls, the launch of Recipes of Hope, cooking demonstrations from popular Glasgow chef Andrew Wilson and, of course, lots of delicious food to eat.

Operations manager Jacqueline Croft said: “Food is a great theme because it appeals to everyone – everybody eats! We’ve been careful to not over-emphasise ‘food for mood’ or healthy eating - instead we’ve concentrated on social aspects, and the pure pleasure of eating.“
kanta_sood_gamh_foodforrecoveryfest_july10
The festival was planned by a steering group of service users, carers, and staff. “Because we use a steering group approach, we know that the events and services that we’re offering are the ones that people want", said Jacqueline.

“And we’re lucky to have so many highly motivated service users – who have been key in making the festival such a success. It’s also been great to have had so many partners for the project, which, I think, reflects the community-based roots of GAMH.”

The launch marked the beginning of a series of special events and activities taking place across the city during July and August. Activities still to take place include a cookery course; a community allotment open day; food growing projects; and a chance to learn how to prepare dishes from across the globe.

GAMH are currently considering themes for a follow up festival next year. One idea is to arrange a series of walks across the city, facilitated by community education tutors, highlighting aspects of social history – a great way to help people who have experienced problems to re-create links with their local communities.

For copies of the recipe book please contact Bernie Fallick, Volunteer Coordinator, GAMH East (0141 552 4934) or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The remaining festival events will be delivered by GAMH’s five service centres and Scotia Clubhouse. Although they are not open to the public, there are opportunities to attend for those interested in accessing GAMH’s support services. To find out more, contact GAMH’s head office on 0141 552 5592.

gamh_wrap_foodfest_quoteFestival partners: Community Food and Health (Scotland), Glasgow’s Community Health and Care Partnership Mental Health Improvement teams, North Glasgow Healthy Living Community, North Glasgow Mental Health Network,Gorbals Healthy Living Network, Glasgow Disability Alliance, John Wheatley College, Cardonald College, Culture & Sport Glasgow, Glasgow City Council, The Forestry Commission Scotland


SRN advertise a range of events and resources developed by external organisations. In doing so we do not necessarily endorse or recommend them and we are in no way responsible for content or quality.
 
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