A TRAVELLING art project is visiting community events across Wirral over the next two weeks.

The Wellbeing Tree, is a large tapestry exhibited across the borough as part of a project between local charity Involve North West and Wirral's Public Health Team.

Residents are invited to take part in the project from tomorrow (Tuesday, August 13).

Accompanying the tree will be a 'travelling sofa' where people can rest, relax and discuss how their lives have been influenced by culture and creativity.

Dubbed ‘The Sofa Sessions’, the project links to the borough’s upcoming Public Health Annual Report for 2019, Creative Communities which looks at the impact of culture on overall health and wellbeing.

The report will be published in September.

Cllr Christine Jones, cabinet member for adult care and health said: “The 2019 report looks at the experiences of local people interacting with culture, creativity and the arts, in whatever form they take – be that a travelling sofa or a wellbeing tree!

“Just as the report identifies the fantastic work already being done locally to support health and wellbeing, these events will explore innovative ways and opportunities to improve health through culture and art.

“I’m grateful to the local people and tireless community workers who have taken part to make this happen.”

The event will act as a blank canvas for residents to express their creative flair by adding their own ‘leaves’ to the tree, with inspirational messages about health, wellbeing and creativity.

Join The Wellbeing Tree and Sofa Sessions at the following community events:

  • Ilchester Family Fun Day in North Birkenhead – Tuesday, August 13 @ 12pm to 2pm
  • Wirral Evolutions’ Health & Wellbeing Art Project in Eastham – Wednesday, August 14 @ 1pm to 3pm. (Note: this event is open to Wirral Evolutions members only)
  • Bee Wirral’s Annual Family Fun Day in B’head – Thursday, August 15 @ 11am to 3pm
  • Beechwood Festival Day (Beechwood Estate) – Friday, August 16 @ 12pm to 3pm
  • Mencap’s One Wirral Festival in Birkenhead Park – Saturday, August 17 – 11am to 4pm
  • Carrbridge Centre – Monday, August 19 @ 10am to 1pm
  • Summer Park Event (The Walled Garden in Central Park, Wallasey) – Tuesday, August 20 @ 10am to 12pm
  • Building Bridges Family Fun Day – Birkenhead – Wednesday, August 21 – 12pm to 4pm
  • Summer Activities at West Kirby Library – Thursday, August 22 @ 10am to 1pm. (Note: Booking for this event is required via West Kirby Library due to capacity).
  • The Barn, Pye Road in Heswall – Friday, August 23 @ 11am to 3pm
  • Family Drop-In at Williamson Art Gallery Oxton – Saturday, August 24 @ 12pm to 3pm

Cllr Christine Spriggs, cabinet member for culture and tourism said: “As we celebrate our year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture, these events provide a great opportunity for everyone to engage with culture and experience something new.

“The Wellbeing Tree and Sofa Sessions invite young people, adults and families to make their mark on a piece of community art, while enjoying the surroundings of Wirral’s parks, open spaces and community centres at a variety of events.”

Each ‘Sofa Session’ will be attended by Community Connectors from Involve Northwest who will be on hand to advise any residents who are looking for support.

After the events, the finished piece will be displayed for the community to see in areas such as the Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead Central Library and more.

Justine Molyneux, Chief Executive Officer at Involve Northwest said: “Our Community Connectors play a key role in communities across Wirral, empowering local people to make positive lifestyle choices, or even changes.

“So, working in partnership for this project made complete sense.

“The Connectors will offer attendees clear, concise information about local services available to them in Wirral.

“And for anybody who is unable to attend these events, our Connectors are happy to arrange a time to visit you in your home or at a drop-in event in the future.”

For more information about how ‘Connect Us’ can support you to link in with services, organisations and communities which could benefit your health and wellbeing, call Involve Northwest on 0151 644 4516 or email connectus@involvenorthwest.org.uk.