AN ambitious new scheme which aims to see Barrow crowned the first wellness town in the country has got off to a successful start.

The project, made possible thanks to a grant from NHS England, will teach people across the town about the importance of staying well and looking after their own health.

It is hoped the movement will spread across Barrow to improve residents' general health and fitness – particularly those who struggle to get out on their own or who suffer from chronic conditions – to ensure people stay healthy and independent for as long as possible.

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The GP behind the scheme, Dr Farhan Amin, a partner at the Burnett Edgar Medical Centre, on Walney, said he was overwhelmed by the response to the first Furness Wellness Day session, held at The Cottage, in Central Drive.

"It was absolutely phenominal to see so many people arriving for the session.

"It's even better than we had hoped for so we are now looking to roll out more sessions for people because of the appetite for wellness in the community," Dr Amin, the doctor behind the award-winning Patient Memoirs website, added.

The free two-hour session, which saw people learn the benefits of lowering stress and anxiety levels through healthy eating, as well as complementary therapies such as reiki, reflexology or yoga, was set to be held fortnightly.

But the popularity of the first event and feedback from those who attended now mean the Tuesday morning sessions will take place every week from November until March next year.

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Dr Amin said people could improve their physical health by looking after their general well being.

"There are a huge number of benefits that we get from feeling happier and reducing stress.

"It has a big impact upon mental health and for people who suffer from social isolation – but also people who live with conditions such as diabetes or COPD.

"We hope it will now snowball through the community so that people pass on the skills they have learned so that eventually the whole town benefits and Barrow becomes the country's first wellness town."

The next Furness Wellness Day is planned for Tuesday, November 1. Anyone interested in attending should register at www.patientmemoirs.com/signup