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Friday 11th April is World Parkinson's Day and there is a big event happening at Quay Arts which will have lots of information, support, and some evening entertainment! Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight will be there so come along and say hello!  Parklands resident artist Maddy Dobson recently held an evening art session with 13 members of the Isle of Wight Round Table - a group for men under 40 who will go on to be part of Rotary. "We created a picture of yachts sailing on the Solent. It was a fun evening with a hugely positive response," says Maddy. Dan Forster, who organised the event, said it was a fun evening which "the guys thoroughly enjoyed." Just look at the wonderful art they created! If you would like to host an event in one of our rooms at Parklands, or wish to talk to Maddy about an art class, please contact [email protected] or call us on 01983 220200.  You may have heard of a ‘green space’ i.e a garden, a meadow, or a forest, but recently the term "blue space" has gained traction, and for good reason. So, what exactly is a blue space, and how does it benefit our mental well-being? We’ve taken a closer look at the remarkable ways in which blue spaces can positively impact our mental health. Defining Blue Space A blue space refers to any natural water body, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and even smaller bodies of water like ponds or fountains. It's the counterpart of the more commonly known term "green space," which signifies natural environments like parks, forests, and gardens. Blue spaces, however, focus on the presence of water and the serene feelings associated with aquatic settings. The Power of Water Numerous scientific studies have highlighted the therapeutic effects of blue spaces on mental well-being. The sight and sound of water can induce a sense of calm and relaxation, triggering what's often referred to as the "blue mind" state. The gentle lapping of waves, the rhythmic flow of a river, or the expansive view of an ocean horizon can all contribute to reducing stress and anxiety levels.  Mental health benefits of blue space can include:
Stress Reduction Blue spaces can reduce stress and promote a state of rest and relaxation. The sound of water, whether it's the gentle trickle of a stream or the crashing of waves, can lower cortisol levels and alleviate tension. Improved Mood Being near water triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers. The soothing nature of blue spaces can uplift mood and provide respite from the demands of daily life. Connection with Nature The sight of water can give us a sense of connection with the natural world. This connection has been shown to foster feelings of gratitude and well-being. Physical Activity Many blue spaces offer opportunities for a little bit of physical activity like walking along the shore which not only benefits physical health but also promotes mental wellness. How can we Incorporating Blue Spaces into Daily Life? Living on an island, we are extremely lucky to be surrounded by beautiful beaches offering up plenty of blue space but not everyone has access to vast oceans or serene lakes. If you aren’t lucky enough to have the beach on your doorstep, there are other ways to incorporate blue spaces into daily life for mental health benefits. Visit other local water bodies Seek out nearby lakes, rivers, or even urban water features like fountains to enjoy moments of tranquillity. Nature Sounds Listening to recordings of water sounds or using apps that simulate the sounds of oceans or rivers can help create a calming atmosphere. Indoor Water Features: Adding indoor water features like tabletop fountains or aquariums can provide a touch of blue space within the living environment. Virtual Escapes: When physical access is limited, virtual reality experiences or nature documentaries centered around water can provide a similar sense of relaxation. Embracing the concept of blue spaces can offer a refreshing and invigorating way to support our mental health. Whether it's the vastness of the ocean or the serenity of a quiet pond, these natural water environments have a remarkable ability to restore our well-being and remind us of the beauty and tranquillity that exists in the world around us. We are pleased to welcome NL Clinic to Healthwell The NL Clinic offers phlebotomist-led health checks, providing a convenient and efficient way to monitor your overall health. These health checks are carried out by experienced phlebotomists who take blood samples quickly and professionally, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience. The benefits to users are numerous. These health checks provide critical insights into your health, detecting potential issues early and helping you take proactive steps to maintain or improve your well-being. We offer a range of tests tailored to individual needs, whether you're monitoring chronic conditions, seeking reassurance, or striving to optimize your fitness and lifestyle. With fast and accurate results,NL Clinic empowers you with knowledge, giving you peace of mind and the tools to make informed decisions about your health. More details are available by clicking here.  We thought some of the information from the most recent Community Action Isle of Wight newsletter might be useful so here it is! For more information about Community Action Isle of Wight you can visit their website by clicking here.    One of our (very brave!) trustees Jane Blackmore is abseiling the Spinnaker Tower in May to raise money for Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight. You can scan the QR code in the flyer below to sponsor Jane, or click here to visit her fundraising page! We’re always looking for help and support with fundraising so if you have a challenge in mind, we’d love to hear from you!  Memory Giving are an organisation that make it simple and secure for those who wish to donate in memory of a loved one.
Here is a bit of information about the organisation: At Memory Giving, we understand that many people would like to pay tribute to a loved one by donating to a charity or organisation. We offer a simple, secure and respectful way to make in memory donations accompanied by a personal message online. Donations are passed quickly and efficiently to the chosen charities and organisations, and they also benefit from gift aid where applicable. Our small, dedicated team is committed to offering a personalised service to giving in memory. You can visit their website by clicking here. They offer a step-by-step guide of how to set up a donation page which you can see by clicking here. We are incredible grateful for any donations we receive, and all donations go directly back into Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight allowing us to continue supporting those affected by a dementia.  Lisa's Story:
I will be walking from Fort William to Aviemore in May this year. I'll be carrying everything I need for the week.... I will be backpacking and wild camping. I have decided to do this to raise money for the Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight because I've seen the amazing work they do and support they provide. This can be life changing for the people involved. When a loved one has Alzheimer's having a good support network is vital. The Alzheimer Café provides that. As well as regular meetings they have their new base at Parklands that provides a community cafe and wellbeing club amongst many other things. To do this takes money and that is where I hope to help. Every penny you donate will go towards supporting them. I'll post updates here and on my Instagram Page as I continue my training. I will have a satellite tracker during my walk and I'll post a link so you can follow my progress. I will be travelling to Fort William by train - leaving Euston at 9pm on the 15th May..... I need to get to Aviemore on the 21st May to catch the train home! In between are the Highlands of Scotland, some of which is very remote with no mobile signal (or places to restock with food!!). I'll need to filter my own drinking water and make sure wherever I stop I leave no trace when I leave.... If you'd like to sponsor Lisa, click here! "Bringing memories to life through music" We are thrilled to announce that from March 7th we'll be running a twice-monthly memory choir at Medina Lodge in Cowes. Melody Memory Choir will be a fun and safe space for anyone affected by a dementia to come along and have a sing-song! You don't have to be a great singer to join - we welcome anyone who wants to be part of a fun singing group to come along on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call 01983 220200 or email [email protected].   Red Funnel have announced:
"If you’re travelling to NHS medical appointments on the mainland or on the Isle of Wight, you’re eligible for discounted foot passenger rates on Red Funnel. A special return passenger ferry fare of £12.80 per person is available for the patient and a companion. Where the patient is a child, the discounted fare is available for up to two adults travelling with the child. Please note the fare applies to sailings from West Cowes after 08:45, although exceptions may be made for earlier appointments." Click here to go to the Red Funnel website for full information. |