Two days just for me: A wellness getaway at EVIM in Hattersheim
Relax, try new things, and see yourself in a new light: Seven residents from the EVIM Teilhabe housing facilities experienced firsthand during a two-day wellness workshop just how good it feels to consciously set aside time for themselves. This program was made possible by donations.
What makes me feel good? What do I especially like about myself? Seven women from the EVIM residential buildings on Dürerstraße and Schulstraße in Hattersheim explored these questions at the end of September. Five participants from Dürerstraße and two from Schulstraße had signed up. Along with anticipation, there was also a sense of excitement: What would await them?
Diana Lehr and Petra Hillekes, two experienced social inclusion specialists from the Rhine-Main region, had prepared a varied program. Their self-developed wellness concept for people with disabilities impressed Nils Bayer, Head of Housing and Social Inclusion at EVIM in Hattersheim. He brought the workshop to the day program facilities of the new Dürerstraße residential building. After his warm welcome, the EVIM staff members deliberately took a back seat “so that the clients could be themselves,” as Nils Bayer explained with a smile.
Relaxing with Humor and Discovering New Things
To kick things off, the women gathered items that help them feel at ease. After an active icebreaker session, they created individual works of art during a relaxing painting session. “This really helps me relieve stress!” remarked one participant. The women wanted to hang the paintings in their rooms.
After an Italian lunch prepared by chef Rosa, they embarked on a journey of sensory discovery: scents, sounds, and a massage exercise were on the agenda. The latter led less to quiet relaxation than to boisterous laughter. The session concluded with a popular color meditation: “We’re really looking forward to tomorrow and would love to do this color meditation again.”
Seeing Yourself Through Different Eyes
The second day focused on body awareness and styling. After movement and yoga exercises, the women stood in front of the mirror and asked themselves: What do I particularly like about myself? Negative comments were off-limits; appreciative feedback was expressly encouraged.
During a color analysis, the participants used colorful scarves to discover which colors flatter them. Clothing, hats, belts, and jewelry invited them to experiment. Some couldn’t get enough of trying on new outfits. Lipstick, makeup, and nail polish rounded out the day.
Treating yourself is part of a good quality of life. Programs like this create space to discover your own desires and try new things on your own terms. Diana Lehr and Petra Hillekes were also thrilled by the women’s openness and joy. They’d love to come back!
The wellness retreat was made possible by donations to EVIM Teilhabe and through the Friends of the Schlocker Foundation, as well as a symbolic contribution of 20 euros per participant. EVIM extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who made these special days possible. (hk/dl/ph)