MODERN life is often fast-paced, complicated, and exhausting, which can make it difficult for us to take a step back and think about our own wellbeing.

That's why a charity gala event at the Lawn Community Centre is being held to inspire people to improve their wellbeing and break through the rut of routine.

All proceeds from the event's ticket sales will go towards the Brighter Futures charity.

Mary Parsons, local artist and organiser of the event, said: "The gala is based around wellbeing, and looks at what people need to keep well and healthy. It's to get people to be active, to learn something, to notice what is going on and have a bit of time to reflect, and lastly to give and learn about the positive aspect of giving."

For a donation between £5-15 gala-goers can practice their painting skills, enjoy performances from jugglers and acrobats, knit blankets for the homeless and go for a ramble in the great outdoors. All activities on the day are designed to engage people with one of five recognised ways to improve wellbeing.

Once inside visitors will have the chance to discuss volunteering programmes, get gardening advice, and learn about the art of meditation. Mary hopes the event will raise the profile of the community centre and support the Brighter Futures Radiotherapy Appeal.

The artist, who has an exhibition at the Swindon Open Studios in September, said: "It's for a local cause and it's something that will benefit the whole area. Quite a few years ago I've had family who had radiotherapy. My aunt had to go to Oxford for treatment and it just seems amazing to me that it's still happening now."

Swindon is one of the few areas in the country where cancer patients face over a 45-minute travel time to receive radiotherapy. The new unit planned for Swindon will cost Oxford University Hospitals £18 million, but an extra £2.9 million is being raised by Brighter Futures to buy clinical equipment for the building. This will likely include a brand new linear accelerator machine capable of targeting tumours with a high degree of accuracy.

Brighter Futures is looking to reach its fundraising target this year. With plenty of community-funded events like Mary's creative gala, the end is getting closer by the day. She said: "The event gives people the chance to try new things that they wouldn't have thought of trying - it's not like going around a craft fair, it's going to be stuff people can participate in. It will keep them learning and keep them in touch with people so something about the day might change how they look after themselves."

The artist is still on the look for business sponsors and volunteers for the event on June 30. Visitors are advised to get to the community centre by bus or on foot due to limited parking.

To buy tickets, call 07934 446366 or search for 'creative gala' at www.eventbrite.co.uk