Get set for an action-packed afternoon of outdoor activities to soothe the mind, body and soul today, Friday.

BCHA’s popular annual Festival of Wellbeing returns to Boscombe Chine Gardens in Bournemouth from 1 to 4pm.

The free-to-enter, family-friendly event, staged by charitable housing association BCHA, brings together local organisations that support communities in the BCP area.

All are dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

Alice Evans, pictured left, BCHA Personal Development Trainer, said: “With the cost of living crisis taking its toll on the nation’s anxiety levels, taking time out to look after mental health and wellbeing has never been more important.

“The Festival of Wellbeing is packed with activities and entertainment – from live music to African drumming, face painting, glitter tattoos, yoga, meditation and mindfulness sessions, so there’s something for all the family.

“And even better, it’s free!”

All activities on offer at the alcohol-free event will link to the five steps to wellbeing, seen as essential for mindfulness., including:

• Connecting with other people
• Being physically active
• Learning new skills
• Giving to others

A host of raffle prizes are up for grabs on the day.

They include the chance to win a Fitbit smartwatch, Sony earphones, headphones and speakers, courtesy of Currys.

Tower Park Community has donated a wellbeing kit including a deluxe yoga ball and yoga brick.

And there’s a free afternoon tea for two to be won at the four-star Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth.

More than 20 organisations are set to share a wealth of wellbeing expertise while Cheikh Diop will create his trademark soundtrack to the festival with the beat of African drumming.

Among those taking part will be Community Action Network (CAN), Dorset Mind, C3 Collaborating for Health, Wellbeing People’s Health MOT Roadshow, Community Yoga Collective (CYC), Options Wellbeing Trust, Skills & Learning Adult Community Education, The Crumbs Project, and Citizens Advice Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole.

BCHA will have a host of stands, including employability support initiative The Way Forward project, and opportunities to find out more about digital and financial inclusion, meditation and mindfulness.

• bcha.org.uk