Bigger and better health fair offers women 'time out'

ORGANISERS of the sixth Torbay Women's Health Fair will be bigger and better than ever.

This year's fair will be held on Friday, October 3 at the Assembly Room, Torquay Town Hall, from 10am to 4pm.

The free event is a collaboration between The Eddystone Trust, Torbay Council, Unison and Torbay Pride Support.

Sandra Brown from The Eddystone Trust said: "It's a really vibrant event with a great atmosphere and a diverse range of stalls offering a wealth of advice and information.

"This year we have worked extremely hard to get a great mix of health professionals, support groups, hairdressers, beauticians and alternative therapists.

"The ever-popular taster sessions of complementary therapies including reiki, Indian head massage, reflexology, beauty therapy and aromatherapy will also be available."

More than 1,000 women enjoyed last year's health fair and organisers reckon even more will come along to the latest event.

Organisations taking part in this year's event include Adult and Community Learning in Torbay, Age Concern, Bare Escentuals (medically aesthetic makeup), Body Shop, beautician students from South Devon College, breast care unit, Diabetes UK, Alzheimers Society, hairdressing students from South Devon College students, tarot reading, St John Ambulance, Stroke Association and Woman's Aid.

Torbay Council cabinet member Cllr Louisa Aiton said: "We are delighted to be involved with such a worthwhile event and one which is growing in momentum each year.

"There really is something for everyone at this year's fair, whether you drop in for an hour or spend the whole day as I know many women did last year.

"Women today have such busy lives it is important for them to have time out and consider their health and well being, I hope this event will provide them with the impetus to do just that."

Debbie Stark, the acting director of public health at Torbay Care Trust, added: "I hope this year's Women's Health Fair will prove as popular as in previous years and I am very pleased that the care trust will be setting out its own stall alongside those of a diverse and interesting range of organisations, all helping local women to look after their health and well being."

Admission to the health fair is free.

For more information phone Sandra Brown at The Eddystone Trust on 01803 380692.