On Wednesday 12th March, the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education will host its annual Health Fayre, with the theme of ‘Looking After the Whole You’. College students, young people and the general public are invited to find out about healthy choices and local support agencies.

A wide range of topics will be addressed by more than 30 voluntary and statutory agencies including Motiv8 Addiction Services, sharing the dangers of NekNominate; the Youth Service, promoting the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and the Isle of Man Netball Association, checking out participants’ goal-shooting skills. There will also be fitness tips from Manx Sport and Recreation and Isle of Man Football Association; sexual health and contraception advice from the GUM Clinic; support for, and information about, eating disorders with the Manx Eating Disorders Awareness Group.

There will be 20-minute stress-busting treatments by local reiki practitioners, and the College’s Student Welfare Officer will guide short mindfulness meditations. The Children and Families Service School Nurses will also be offering guidance on managing stress. Local charities including Cruse Bereavement Care, Samaritans, the Stroke Association, DASH and Crossroads Care Young Carers and  will be on hand to discuss their various support services. 
 
Treatments, including back and Indian head massage, hopi ear candles, manicures, face mapping, brow bar, hair-cuts and ‘hair-ups’, will be provided by College hairdressing and beauty students.

Anne Gundry, Head of Student Services at the College, said: ‘We are delighted so many local agencies will be attending the Fayre to provide information of real relevance to young people in their everyday lives. Information will address the full meaning of health – physical, emotional and mental well-being, be easy to understand, interactive, informative and fun.’

The Fayre will be opened at 9.15am by Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education, and David Anderson MHK, Minister for Health, and will run until 1pm. A programme of activities will be available at the College reception. While the Fayre is targeted at younger people, everyone is welcome to attend.