Five good reasons to look after your wellbeing
During 2020 and 2021, you may have experienced more demand on your time and a greater need than ever before to support people and communities through the many challenges posed by coronavirus. It has been a very busy time, adapting to new circumstances.
We all have a sense for when things are getting on top of us, but it can also be easy to ignore the warning signs if we are busy juggling other priorities. However, being aware of how you’re feeling and, more importantly knowing what to do to stay well, is incredibly important, never more so than in the current circumstances.
With so much advice already available, Suffolk Says Thanks has used the ‘five ways to wellbeing’ to bring together some helpful ways for people to stay mentally well.
The five ways to wellbeing was developed for looking after your day-to-day mental health and general wellbeing. Think of them a bit like the five-a-day fruit and veg message, which is great for physical health, but in this case good for your wider wellbeing.
Here is a brief summary of these five simple steps:
- Connect: Take time to speak to a friend or family member. It’s important to stay in touch with others however you do it, and sometimes simply talking about how you feel can make a big difference.
- Be active: Being physically active can have a real benefit to your mental health.
- Keep learning: Take the opportunity to learn a new skill or pick up something you have enjoyed doing before.
- Give: Giving your time and energy to others is extremely important – never more so than now – and can pay dividends for your mental wellbeing. Something that volunteers know all about!
- Take notice: Take a break from watching, listening or reading news stories and use the time for the things you enjoy
As part of the “5 Ways of Wellbeing”, we will be working with local councils and voluntary organisations to hold the following free online Zoom session as part of Keep Learning which provide different support to everyone’s wellbeing.
These sessions will be available on the dates listed below. To take part, please just use the sign up box and you will be sent the link and joining instructions nearer the date of the session(s) that you have signed up for.
If you are not available on these dates, you can contact us for the password in order to use the watch again feature.
Schedule
All sessions have taken place. You can see the schedule at the bottom of this page along with instructions of how you can watch each presentation.
All sessions will enable you to learn in real time, during the session. You will have the opportunity to ask questions or practise what you’ve learned both during the session (should you wish to) as well as afterwards.
No experience in any of the above subjects is necessary to take part – each session is suitable for absolute beginners and those who have no experience of the subject.
Attendance is limited so early booking is recommended.
How to take part
All sessions will be held on Zoom. You will need to have Zoom software already installed on your device.
We are unable to offer any technical assistance during the session but there are links and further details to assistance available to install Zoom and join meetings at the bottom of this page.
Register here
Complete this form to book your place
(Register once per device/screen – not per person)
What next?
You will receive an email which contains all the joining instructions for the session – the Zoom link, password and further information about the session.
This email will be sent 1 week before the session (or closer to the date of event if you register closer than a week before).
If you have not received an email by then, please check your spam/junk folder and if you cannot find anything from contact@thevoicecloud.co.uk in there, email us or call 07909 510976 or 07903 105930.
Download Zoom
Download Zoom for Windows or Mac HERE (Use App stores for tablets or smartphones).
Join a Zoom meeting
Missed the live sessions?… No problem!
Each presentation will be saved to offer anybody who wasn’t able to join the live presentation the opportunity to still benefit from watching.
LEARNING FOR WELLBEING
With Jon Neal from Suffolk MIND
This session took place on Wednesday 3rd November.
In this session, Jon explored how our emotional needs for achievement, status, and meaning & purpose can be met through learning new skills and achieving tasks, however small or large and talked about the difference between ‘stretch’ and ‘stress’ and why it’s important to distinguish between the two.
To watch the presentation, click ➡️THIS LINK⬅️
If you would like to watch this presentation, please CONTACT US for the password to access the video.
THE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON MENTAL WELLBEING
With Tyler Beales from OneLife Suffolk
This session took place on Wednesday 17th November.
In this session, Tyler Beales from OneLife Suffolk’s Get Help to Get Active team explored the benefits of physical activity on mental wellbeing and demonstrated chair-based physical activity.
To watch the presentation, click ➡️THIS LINK⬅️
If you would like to watch this presentation, please CONTACT US for the password to access the video.
CHRISTMAS CRAFTING
With Emma Lea from Girlguiding Anglia
This session took place on Wednesday 1st December.
In this session, Emma demonstrated how to make Christmas Decorations from recycled items – something anybody can do at home or with a group of friends.
She also spoke about girlguiding – how it isn’t just about campfires and helping girls to get their next badge, it’s about empowering girls and giving them new experiences.
To watch the presentation, click ➡️THIS LINK⬅️
If you would like to watch this presentation, please CONTACT US for the password to access the video.
EARTH CONNECTION
With Green Light Trust
This session took place on Wednesday 15th December.
In this session, Andrew and Pete from the Green Light Trust gave an insight into the power of nature.
To watch the presentation, click ➡️THIS LINK⬅️
If you would like to watch this presentation, please CONTACT US for the password to access the video.
MOTIVATING MEMORIES AND WINTER TIPS
With Jon Neal from Suffolk MIND
This session took place on Wednesday 19th January, 2022.
This Suffolk Mind workshop will look at Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how we can try to tackle it, and we’ll look at how we can use our memory to help us feel better about the future.
To watch the presentation, click ➡️THIS LINK⬅️
If you would like to watch this presentation, please CONTACT US for the password to access the video.
Further (free to attend!) Keep Learning opportunities for Suffolk residents
West Suffolk College have a range of free to attend, Adult Learning Online Courses which lead to a Level 2 programme, each course runs for 12 weeks. Whether you are looking to pick up a new hobby or achieve an accredited qualification, their courses include;
- Understanding Climate Change and Environmental Awareness Level 2 Online
- Principles for Digital Skills in Employment Certificate Level 2 Online
- Principles of End of Life Care Level 2 Online
- Awareness of Mental Health Problems Level 2 Online
- Information Advice or Guidance Level 2 Online
- Self Harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention Level 2 Online
Each course runs for 12 weeks. For further information and to book a space, visit their webpage at this link.