Julie Thomas will represent the British Heart Foundation at the event at No 4 St Paul’s Square and she also tells how she has overcome her own mental health challenges. Tony McDonough reports
There is an increasing recognition that both our mental and physical health are of equal importance and few people know that better than Julie Thomas.
On Wednesday, May 30, Julie will be attending the free Wellness Day being organised at Liverpool city centre’s premier business address No 4 St Paul’s Square, representing the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
The event, taking place from 11.30am to 2.30pm, will see a range of health and wellbeing experts and exhibitors on hand to offer advice and guidance, and demonstrate their products and services.
It is backed by commercial property agency CBRE, The Liverpool BID Company and Professional Liverpool and seeks to empower those attending to take control of their lives and their wellbeing.
Vital research
Julie is an area stock generator for the BHF and her primary role is to encourage people to donate items to sell in the charity’s network of shops around the Liverpool city region. Money raised by the stores goes into vital research into heart disease – the number one killer in the UK and a particular problem Merseyside.
She has worked for the charity for around 18 months and it is one that is close to her own heart. She explained: “When my mum was just 42 she had a heart attack and had to have a triple bypass operation.
“Now she is 75 and although she now needs treatment for a heart valve the fact that she stayed healthy for so many years after her heart attack and operation is testament to the great care that heart patients get.
“And the BHF, with the funds it puts into heart disease research, is doing fantastic work helping people such as my mum to lead full lives. Through doing this job I hear so many amazing stories.
Wider aims
Julie applauds the wider aims of the wellness event as she has faced her own battles with mental health. She spent 26 years working in a job centre and the stress of that role has took its toll on her life.
She added: “I have had my own mental health battle to fight – I have had two nervous breakdowns. So the focus on mental health at the event is a very important one for me.
“I have my wobbles but I see myself as a survivor and my story as a positive one. Although I will be at the event representing BHF I am also happy to talk to people who might have their own problems, what I have endured. I know what people are going through.”
People who live or work in the city centre are being encouraged to come along. There will be a range of exhibitors offering one-to-one advice, group talks and demonstrations throughout the day.
The event runs from 11.30am until 2.30pm. Click for more information and to book a place.
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