PIE: Pursuing Individual Excellence

On 27 October 2019, PIE: Pursuing Individual Excellence used the Sharing Our Wellness funding to run a pilot event by newly formed community group ‘Pretty Tough Things’ (PTT). PTT is aimed at supporting mums to look after their own wellbeing, and prioritise finding time for themselves to help do this. The idea behind this first event was to trial the format of running an event that had separate activities for children and mums, and also opportunities to take part in activities together. We wanted to provide an environment where women felt comfortable, safe and supported. The event was run on a Sunday, to try and ensure that more women were able to access the session, and was based in the centre of Manchester to allow for easy access from a range of different areas around Greater Manchester. The event was advertised on numerous parent groups around GM, as well as by linking in with some local nurseries and schools.

The session included a free lunch, a range of children’s activities which were led by volunteers from nurseries, a session for mums with life coach Tim Coates, and a family yoga session. There were opportunities for women to socialise with other like-minded people, and also some stalls from local sellers like The Body Shop. There was also a raffle with prizes donated from various local companies (varying from a full fresh cream cake to massages and hair cuts, and lots of treats for the kids and possible Christmas gifts).

This audio gives a flavour of the day and participants were asked what they do to feel well and what they would like to see in the future: