SPARK:York celebrates National Self Care Week with a series of events for the local community

SPARK, York’s local hub for creativity, innovation and wellness, is thrilled to announce its participation in annual National Self Care Week, which is taking place throughout the UK in November. SPARK is set to mark this important occasion with a series of events designed to emphasize the significance of self-care in our daily lives.

This six-day-long celebration, running from 14th to 19th November, will offer a broad spectrum of activities catering to people of all ages, backgrounds and interests. From invigorating fitness classes to introspective art workshops, SPARK has something for everyone.

Inspired by its in-house businesses, Power and Peace Therapies and Ossie Studios, SPARK's Self Care Week intends to explore the concept of 'self-care' from various perspectives, incorporating activities that focus on physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

The event kicks off with a classic SPARK Cinema Club on Tuesday 14th November, with beloved comedy Bridesmaids being screened in the SHOW space. Each ticket includes the choice of a cocktail or mocktail, promising a night of light-hearted laughs to set the tone for the week.

Heather Walsh, a holistic therapist from Power and Peace Therapies, will lead an intimate and enlightening Gua Sha workshop, offering a unique blend of knowledge and hands-on practice. Those looking for an energy boost are invited to join Ossie Studio for their pilates, barre and yoga classes available throughout the week. Ossie is an in-house brand providing a friendly and chilled space for self-care, wellness and fitness.

In addition to its regular offerings, SPARK has invited local practitioners and businesses to lead various workshops and activities. These will provide attendees the opportunity to explore different aspects of self-care and wellbeing in new and modern ways, in a supportive, creative environment.

The programme will involve a breathwork workshop with Ellie Hunzinger, exploring the benefits of conscious breathing and some of the most powerful breathing techniques. Creative Babes Club will be hosting a live panel focusing on creative self care, conquering creative blocks and burnouts, and the art of filling your creative cup. Renni Prelle, a complementary therapist will run an empowering and interactive workshop tackling some of the big questions surrounding menopause. The session will include learning simple relaxation techniques, discussing personal experiences and finding out about the support available during this transformative time.

Grow It York who manage a vertical farm housed at the venue have put together an inspiring event revolving around vertical farming and offering an opportunity to cultivate self-care through education, sustainability, and a multisensory exploration of the future.

On Friday, SPARK's pop up space will welcome Flicker & Scent who specialise in wax melts, essential oil blends, candles and bath salts. All their products are handmade in small batches, using fine quality, natural and cruelty free ingredients. A local artist Carol Vendramini will run a collage-making session, exploring body and self-image using art as a form of therapy.

SPARK has also invited Laura Fawcett, a Yorkshire-based Personal Stylist for a styling masterclass where you'll learn how to define your signature style, build the capsule wardrobe, embrace dopamine dressing, and shop sustainably. Laura works with both women and men, helping them to reconnect with their sense of style and grow in confidence.

To round off the week, Kind of You return with their free sustainable clothes swap in support of local women's charities. SPARK is also hosting a self-care edition of their Makers' Market, featuring a selection of local independent businesses, including Ossie Studio, Power and Peace Therapies, Kyra Women's Project, Captain Mustache Apparel, Carrine Green Performance Coaching, Lousin by Romina and Capella Harmony Candles. Entry to the market is free.

Emily Youngson, the Events Coordinator at SPARK, said: "Amidst the chaos of our daily lives, we often forget to step back, take a breather and have some time to ourselves. SPARK's Self Care Week is all about finding ways to invest in you, whether that be physically, mentally, creatively or something in between!"

More information can be found in the events section of SPARK's website.