HUNDREDS of event visitors explored alternative and spiritual methods to better look after their wellbeing.

The Holistic Wellness Mind, Body, Spirit event took over Colden Common Community Centre on Saturday, October 7.

More than 200 people tried out new healing methods, massages and psychic readings, shop for spiritual gifts and attend expert talks.

Justine Markley, managing director of Believe Your Wellbeing Matters, organises around 20 mind, body, spirit fairs across Hampshire each year as well as working with corporate organisations who are interested in reducing staff sickness and stress.

READ MORE: 'Let’s grow greener together' - City green week heralded as a success

Hampshire Chronicle: Massage centralMassage central (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Ms Markley, 39, from Colden Common, said: “I wanted to increase awareness of people’s mental health and wellbeing and give them an alternative for helping them with that.

“There’s not enough awareness about alternative therapies to help people with their mental health and well-being. I currently work for the NHS as well and there’s not enough being offered holistically. Especially with the cost-of-living crisis and everything that has happened with Covid, people need an alternative to help them.

Hampshire Chronicle: Mind, Body, Spirit event in Colden CommonMind, Body, Spirit event in Colden Common (Image: Adele Bouchard)

SEE ALSO: New GP surgery in Winchester city centre taking shape

“The response has been absolutely incredible. The feedback has been amazing. People are having reflexology things, things like massage and holistic therapies. A lot of what we have on offer is not available through the NHS or publicly known which is why I wanted to create these events.

“These events are extremely popular in the community and with corporate organisations and charities.”

Smita Patel, from West Sussex, has been a therapist for 10 years but began "channelling her own natural ability" of light language energy healing at the beginning of last year.

Hampshire Chronicle: Smita PatelSmita Patel (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Ms Patel, 49, says she channels the energy and delivers the healing through her eyes, hands and voice which then sends vibrational healing to her customers. 

She said: “Once people know what it is I do, they are quite blown away by what I do because it’s so different to anything else in the room.

“I help people to be their true authentic selves and live their true purpose, without all the limiting thoughts, beliefs and trauma."

“It’s good to bring like-minded people together. Lots of people don’t feel like their spirituality is something they can talk about openly.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Michael EnglishMichael English (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Michael English, from Dibden, was there selling Ringana skincare and food supplements. Mr English, 49, said: “These fairs are a good thing to get stuck into and give people an alternative fun way of looking after their wellbeing. It provides more options for holistic healing.

“It’s been really good today, we’ve had lots of interest and people coming through the door.”

Organiser Ms Markley will be hosting a Christmas special event at Fryern Hill Pavillion in Chandler's Ford on Saturday, December 2. Entry costs £3. For more information go to believeyoudeserveit.co.uk/.