Heworth ward committee will take a rather different form when it meets next month at Glen Gardens. The outside event will take place under gazebos and feature groups and organisations advising local people on how to live a more healthy lifestyle.

Tina Funnell, who represents the ward, said the meeting location was fitting, given a number of sports teams would be present:

"We've got lots lined up to help people attending think about healthy activities, including a number of local sports groups, from the local bowls club to football teams. There is really much more on the doorstep than people often realise and joining a sports club is a great way to meet people too.

"On the healthy eating side, there will be the opportunity to visit Glen Allotments and find out more about growing your own, which can be very rewarding and cost-effective too. We have a children's allotment there where we are cultivating the next Alan Titchmarsh from among the school children from Tang Hall Primary School. They have found it inspiring and I'd urge others to come along and find out more of the many benefits from having an allotment".

Continuing on the health theme, the meeting will also welcome an occupational health advisor (OHA) to talk to those attending about how work can affect their health. This will include cholesterol checks, blood pressure checks and health advice. Stress levels at work can be a problem for many and is said to be on the increase as people fear for their jobs during the current economic downturn.

"Occupational health advisors can offer useful tips on how to reduce stress levels in the workplace", said Heworth councillor Ruth Potter. "Work is a really important aspect of people's lives, being somewhere they can spend around half of their waking hours so its essential that they feel comfortable there. I think residents will get some very useful advice if they come along and talk to the OHA, which may just make their working lives more manageable.

"Also attending will be York Credit Union to talk with those who may be suffering financial worries, and Playspace providing a chill-out zone in the gardens for youngsters who can make it along".

Coun. Potter urged people to look out for the ward committee leaflet coming through their doors in the coming weeks to find out more.