Event to help put a smile on your dial

THIS Saturday it’s time to turn that frown upside down at Heathcote’s second annual Smile Day.

In 2021 Heathcote Primary Health’s Dr Adel Asaid wanted nothing more than to put a smile back on the faces of local children after COVID lockdowns.

And the first Smile Day was born out of this simple desire.

“We all know that connecting with our community has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing, which is why we encourage everyone to join us, become active, connect with each other, and pay attention to the world around us,” he said.

“In the same way we did last year, we are bringing together some local organisations to advertise their services to the community.

“We want to strengthen those relationships while also giving back to the community.”

Last year’s generous prize pool has been more than equalled to include 18 bicycles and six tricycles for early years and primary-aged children taking part in this year’s colouring and activity challenge.

Winners will certainly be grinners when the prizes are drawn at 1.30pm.

Children can enjoy lots of other free activities including a petting zoo, kid’s yoga and a visit from Santa, along with loads of giveaways.

There is also plenty on offer for adults with a barbecue at the Men’s Shed, community stalls, a sing-along with the Heathcote Ukulele Group and a performance by pizzaboxpoets.

HUG and pizzaboxpoets spokesperson Amanda Collins said the ukulele had played at last year’s event and was looking forward to joining in again.

“We like to finish off the day with a bit of community singing, as it’s a lovely way to connect and relax into being with each other,” she said.

“It’s well known that singing in groups develops connection and lifts the spirits.

“There’s a neurobiological event called entrainment where listening to and singing with others actually wakes up a different part of the brain, which releases the happy hormones. It’s a win-win.

“And this year the pizzaboxpoets are going to have a 15-minute showcase of some of their best poems of 2022.

“We have been writing and reading our work at Palling Bros for four years now.

“We are hoping that by bringing our original works out into the wider world we might entice a few closet poets to come and join us every month.

“We really want to show our fellow Heathcoteans what’s on offer in our town in case they might want to spread their own wings a little and give us a go.

“It’s also a lovely opportunity…to check out what else is going on, like the (men’s) shed.”

Smile Day 2022 is on 10 December and runs from 12pm to 2pm behind Heathcote Health at 39 Hospital Street, enter from Hay Street.

Most activities are free but remember to bring some gold coins for ice cream, cold drinks, and face painting.