A WELL-BEING Day dedicated to health, hobbies and happiness is being held at the Avonway Community Centre in Fordingbridge on Wednesday October 26.

Organised by the Fordingbridge Carers Hub co-ordinator and newly appointed Avonway manager Sara Winteridge is urging everyone to come along and see scores of organisations showcasing their services at the inaugural event.

The new event is centred on the five steps to well-being: connect, be active, keep learning, take notice and give.

Gina Davenport teaches tai chi for arthritis and will be attending along with Wendy Dire from the Fordingbridge Country Market.

Sara said: "We are inviting people to come along and have a manicure, a massage or portrait taken by camera club. The Community Well-Being Day is all about the town's hidden assets, resources and activities that exist in the community.

"There is plenty out there that can support people to solve problems and improve wellbeing if you know who to turn to.

Two years ago Sara Winteridge, who has a social work background, launched the Fordingbridge Carers Hub and in its first year the hub made contact with 250 carers.

The Fordingbridge Carers Hub receives increasing numbers of enquiries and many visits from people caring full time, 24 hours a day, who are often unaware of their entitlement to support.

Nikki Benton is disabled and cares for her disabled daughter. The Carers Hub supported her with an appeal to move to a local authority bungalow.

Nikki said: "The story is a long one, but in a nutshell we were living in a house that was dangerous. My daughter has seizures and there were ni upstairs bathroom facilities.

"I fought and fought the council to find us somewhere suitable to no avail. I just hit rock bottom and had no energy to fight anymore and this is when Sara stepped in.

"She is just like Superwoman and was able to have us moved to a two-bedroom bungalow. Our lives have been transformed."

Ken Wiggins who cares for his disabled wife said: "Sara and the Carers Hub has helped me receive respite and organised a day centre for my wife. Sara has changed our lives."

The Wellbeing Day will run all day between 10am and 4pm in the Avonway Community Centre.