Mental health isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we nurture. This year, for Mental Health Awareness Week, Castle Quay was proud to present Rooted in Action. It was truly incredible to see the Banbury community come together so passionately for a week-long series of workshops and pop-ups designed to support wellbeing, foster deep local connections, and share vital tools for a positive mind.
The energy and togetherness throughout the week made the entire event a resounding success. Here is a look back at how our community showed up for each other:
Tuesday 12th May | Orinoco Banbury & Oxfordshire MIND
Our community got hands-on with a fantastic sustainable craft event hosted by Orinoco, while the team from Oxfordshire MIND was on hand to connect residents with invaluable local mental health resources and support.
Wednesday 13th May | Banbury Therapy Group
Locals took the opportunity to chat with the Banbury Therapy Group in a relaxed, welcoming setting, learning how professional therapy can beautifully support a personal mental health journey.
Thursday 14th May | Banbury Community Garden Seed Swap Event
We rooted ourselves in nature! The Bridge Street Community Garden team hosted a bustling seed swap. Neighbours swapped seeds and stories, discovering firsthand how gardening can help cultivate a sense of inner “calm.”
Friday 15th May | Canal & River Trust Pop-Up
Attendees discovered the powerful benefits of “blue therapy” as the Canal & River Trust chatted with visitors about our local waterways and the immense mental health benefits of spending time by the water. The Samaritans shared crucial support contacts and reached out for volunteers to help others in the community.
Saturday 16th May | RhythmWalk
Endorphins were high! The community joined in for an incredibly uplifting RhythmWalk session, which perfectly combined the joyful power of movement and music.
Sunday 17th May | Wellbeing Finale
We wrapped up this phenomenal week with double the support, bringing the community together one last time for a powerful final session with both the Banbury Therapy Group and RhythmWalk.
The week also marked two incredibly important milestones for Castle Quay:
Hidden Disabilities Scheme Launched
We officially launched Castle Quay’s Hidden Disabilities Scheme during the event, ensuring our centre continues to be a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for every single member of our community.
The Sunflower Competition is Underway!
The event may be over, but the growth continues! We have launched an ongoing sunflower competition, and we want you to get involved. Head over to Customer Services to pick up your very own sunflower seed kit. Take it home, nurture it, and see if you can grow the biggest sunflower in Banbury to win a fantastic prize!
Coffee #1 Competition
This competition is now closed. But don’t forget to follow us on social media for any updates!