A Preston community centre held its most popular ever event in the form of a free Arts and Food Festival where over 500 residents from Ingol, Tanterton, Cottam, Fulwood and beyond turned up for the Platinum Jubilee at the Intact Centre on Whitby Ave.

The event provided a well-earned celebration for the community, all while improving people’s mental health and boosting wellbeing. Rob Gregson, Intact Employee who helped organise the event, said: “The day went brilliantly and local people came out in droves to take part.

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“We want to build on this, it shows there is demand for activities and cultural events not just in the city centre, but across Preston.”

Rob said: “People know about the vital work Intact does in Preston with its food hub, employability help, advice service and digital exclusion support but we want to turn the centre into a place you want to go, rather a place you need to go.”

Read more: Arts and Food Festival at Intact Centre for Queens Jubilee

Intact provides direct support to people struggling with a range of issues but also helps residents by getting them involved in other projects, such as the maintenance of the neighbouring Dobcroft nature reserve.

Rob adds, “So many people have, and do, struggled with their mental health. The Intact Centre hosts activities that allow people to build their social connections while also doing good in the community. For some people it’s getting involved with our on-site Dobcroft nature reserve, for others it’s helping themselves by volunteering to help others as a digital champion in our IT suite.” 

The Jubilee celebration allowed the centre to try others ways of helping people, this time through participatory arts activities such as craft workshops, singing, drumming, creative writing and more. For many participants, this was a chance to sing in front of others, or exhibit artwork for the first time ever. 

Read more: Garstang family kick off Race for Life and Pretty Muddy in Moor Park

Speaking about the Jubilee choir that was set up in the run up to the event, Rob said, “The choir was a perfect example of what Intact is about.

“On the surface it was a fun, brand new experience for many of the people involved, however the added benefit it had on giving people confidence, tackling loneliness and improving their mental health cannot be understated.”

For anyone who would like to get involved with any activities or services at Intact pop into the centre or get in contact via the Intact website.

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