TAI CHI, relaxation and dancing were among activities for local people with learning disabilities at the third Healthy Me conference.

People First Keighley and Craven hosted the conference at the Rendezvous Hotel, Skipton, and put the focus on learning through fun.

The event was opened by Cllr Geoff Reid, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, and there were delegates from Keighley, Ilkley, Bradford, Menston, Burley and across the Craven area.

Delegates attended workshops covering various healthy activities then finished with dancing to music from BFG Discos.

A People First spokesman said all the delegates, who had learning disabilities, had previously attended a five-day Healthy Me residential programme.

She said: “They learned healthy approaches and skills for life, such as cooking, food safety and gentle effective exercise.

“Other important benefits include gaining more confidence, self-esteem building and preparation for more independent living.

“The conference celebrated the contribution made by all delegates to this unique and appropriate approach to learning.”

A researcher from Sheffield University attended the conference to find out what was being done to support the well-being and health of people.

There were also visitors from other areas such as Wigan who were keen to hear about the differences People First’s ‘Learning Holidays’ had made.

The spokesman said: “Delegates spoke about the changes they had made to improve their health and well-being after attending the learning holidays.”

These changes include giving up smoking, avoiding sugar in tea, trying different types of food, walking more, swimming, and managing diabetes better.

People had also begun to go out more to socialise or switched from living alone to sharing a house with friends, or vice versa.

Invited guest Pam Essler, a member of Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Commissioning Group, joined in with all the workshops.

The spokesman added: “We really appreciate Pam along to see what we do at People First Keighley and Craven conference, a very special conference to celebrate the amazing results of our project.”

Anyone who knows a person with learning disabilities who would like to go on a Healthy Me Learning Holiday, should contact People First Keighley and Craven at Springfield Mills, Oakworth Road, Keighley, or email peoplefirst@live.co.uk for further information.

People First is a charity run by adults with learning disabilities with the support of professional workers. They provide social activities, campaigning, advice, advocacy and work experience.