Tech Manchester Festival Shines Light On SME Wellbeing

Two of Manchester’s leading technology organisations are teaming up to host a Wellness Festival to support entrepreneurs and employees in managing and improving their mental health and wellbeing.

Hosting firm UKFast and tech startup initiative Tech Manchester are hosting the wellness day on Monday 13th May.

The event marks Mental Health Awareness Week (May 13th – 19th) and includes bespoke workshops and an expo focussed on boosting all aspects of wellbeing for business owners and their teams.

SMEs, entrepreneurs and business owners can sign up for a free place at the festival at UKFast Campus in Manchester.

Stress and mental wellbeing are identified as a major challenge in the sector, with 58% of entrepreneurs surveyed by the Great British Entrepreneur Awards reporting mental health issues.

A range of bespoke workshops, including several focussed on mental approach to body image which is the theme for Mental Health Awareness week 2019, will be provided to attendees for free across three areas throughout the day:

• Physical Wellness – yoga, mindfulness, meditation, self-massage
• Personal Wellness – creative writing, nutrition, time management & resilience, productivity
• Wellness for Employers – tech tools for mental health, workplace support by Able Futures, remote workers toolkit and wellbeing for productivity

Attendees can expect mini health checks, reiki taster sessions, nutrition advice, personal wellbeing indexes, physio consultation, meditation, reflexology and seated massage.

Tech Manchester is a not-for-profit organisation funded by technology firm UKFast to provide support for startup businesses through mentoring, workshops and consultation.

Tech Manchester Director Patricia Keating said: “Businesses are crying out for affordable help and guidance on how to create a culture supporting mental health. What better way than to bring them together in a holistic day of workshops and experiences?

“Entrepreneurs often tell us the support we provide is the only place they have to turn in difficult moments. There are many well-documented local accounts from businesspeople who have shared their wellbeing struggles.

“The day will allow people to try out different practical exercises and learn new techniques at no cost. These taster sessions will help businesspeople find out what works for them and for their business.”

The event also includes a prize draw with health-focussed prizes, including a cycling holiday for two in France donated by Sports Tours International.

Sign up via Eventbrite