Last week we organised a wellbeing week here in Dufftown and District. The aim of the week was to create opportunities for people to meet up, learn new skills and in the long-run improve their overall mental and physical wellbeing. We believe that a person’s wellbeing is connected to their sense of connection with others and feeling empowered to have control over their own lives. Therefore, all the workshops and events during the week were designed to be interactive and confidence-building.
Starting off the wellbeing week, Alison from Chilling Women came over from Huntly to teach us about the benefits of essential oils and alternative therapies. Together, we made lavender-infused hand cream and practised relaxation through hand massage. It was a very informative session and we’d love to have Alison back to Dufftown soon!
Our DDCA Trustee, volunteer and fellow Dufftown resident June ran a workshop on planting up beautiful pots for the garden. With participants ranging from the age of 10 to 70, it is clear that gardening is for everyone. We learned how to make up plant soil and which plants are suitable for pots. Most importantly, we had fun and built confidence in ‘just going for it’!
In a similar fashion, at our nourishing cooking workshop Sandra from Moray Food Plus showed us how to have fun and experiment with cooking. We made three main courses in under two hours. With the current cost-of-living crisis, it was a plus that all ingredients were cheap yet nourishing.
On the Friday, local artist Morag Tweedie led an experimental printing workshop. Using materials that most of us will have at home, like forks and leaves, we created some impressive prints. While I used to play and write music when I was younger, I don’t use my creative part of the brain as much these days and I was surprised at how difficult it was for me to let go and enjoy myself. As adults, I don’t think we spend enough time learning through play as we used to do as kids. However, as the workshop went on I became more and more comfortable with not having to make something look “perfect” and just have fun with it instead.
The most adventurous event of them all was the Cabrach eBike ride in collaboration with Dorenell Ranger Service, Outfit Moray and Cycling UK. We covered 37 km of varied terrain along the Glenfiddich trails. It definitely improved our confidence levels of what we are capable of on a bike! The weather could not have been better and we took our time exploring the beautiful landscape and features of the Cabrach. I’m really looking forward to organising more led rides with Dorenell Ranger Service, Outfit Moray and Cycling UK.
Last but not least, Donna Dragonfly Yoga ran an all-ability yoga session at the Memorial Hall. Donna showed us how even the smallest of movements can make a difference to how the body feels and moves. A perfectly relaxing way to finish off the wellbeing week.
The wellbeing week exceeded my expectations. It was lovely meeting new people and learning new skills from local tutors and organisations. We want to build on this experience and showcase more of the many local skills we have in Dufftown and District. One of the participants from the week has already started thinking of what skills they can share with the rest of the community at future DDCA wellbeing sessions. Please do get in touch if you have an idea or suggestion on what we should do next to boost wellbeing – I’d love to hear from you.
