1. Take Five Taking steps towards living well

2. What are the “5 steps to wellbeing”?
Choose one of the video clips on 5 ways to wellbeing to view.
Each image is hyperlinked to the relevant YouTube clip:
Top image is graphics and music only -
Second image is more youth-focused and has a voice over explaining the 5 ways -
Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...

3. Background of “Five Ways to Wellbeing”
There has been longstanding concern and interest in promoting public health.
Some progress has been made to raise public consciousness about physical health promotions – exercise, smoking cessation & diet
But how do you promote mental health and wellbeing?
The 5 ways to wellbeing is like a ‘5 a day’ for mental health and is a perfect framework to promote ‘dignity in mental health’
10’000 steps campaign for PA, smoking bans in public places and aiming for 5 fruit and veg a day

4. Background of “Take Five Message”
The Government Office of Science commissioned the new economics foundation (nef) to conduct a comprehensive review of what people could do that promotes their mental health and wellbeing i.e. evidence-based actions or behaviours.
Guidance on ‘The 5 ways to wellbeing’ was developed and published in the Foresight report on Mental Capital and Wellbeing (2008)1.
Point 1 - Through our mental health awareness day activities we wish to engage local communities in conversations about what promotes their mental health and wellbeing.
Point 2 – it is only over the past couple of years that the Take 5 messages have been promoted and it is a brilliant framework for all health improvement initiatives 1.

5. What is Mental Health?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as: “…a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her own community”
The 5 ways to wellbeing offer a framework for all individuals to achieve mental health
“I spend time with my family” “I go for a run” “I walk” “I make time for myself” “I take the dog for a walk” “I meet up with my friends” “I read and do crosswords” “I paint” “I take a relaxing bath” “I eat a balanced diet” “I get a massage” “I try to stay organised” “I relax with family and friends” “I play in a band” “I find time to do things I enjoy” “I exercise regularly” “I attend to my work/life balance” “I talk to family and friends” “I make sure that I have something to look forward to” “I laugh” “I go to the gym” “I try to be nice to people” “I engage with my children” “I do interesting things” “I remember how lucky I am” “I find time to do things I enjoy” “I keep positive” “I pursue hobbies that I enjoy” “I smile” “I meditate” “I spend time with my children” “I get outside whenever I can” “I sing” “I help my children with their schoolwork”

6. Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...
With the people around you
With family and friends, colleagues and neighbours
At home, work, school or your local community
Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them
Building these connections will support and enrich you every day
Discuss with participants: can you think of other connections people might have and value?
Possible answers:
Having quiet moments with self
Nature, animals and pets
Connecting with God, or one’s spirituality
Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...

7. Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...
Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun
Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving
Try something new
Rediscover an old interest
Sign up for that course
Take on a different responsibility at work
Fix a bike
Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food
Can group think of learning opportunities available locally that they can go to?
Try something new –e.g. a dance class
Rediscover an old interest – sewing/knitting
Sign up for that course
Take on a different responsibility at work
Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food – Cook It Programmes
Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...

8. Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...
Exercising makes you feel good
Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy that suits your level of mobility and fitness
Just a small amount of exercise has been shown to improve mental wellbeing
Opportunities locally may include:
Walking groups, Park Run
Step outside –parks etc
Cycle – cycle projects
Play a game
Garden – community allotments –
Dance – local classes for older and young people, tea dances
Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...

9. Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...
Be curious
Catch sight of the beautiful
Remark on the unusual
Notice the changing seasons
Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends
Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling
Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you
Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...

10. Consider this about Noticing…
Taking notice, being aware and mindful is associated with mental wellbeing
Notice that you are connecting, learning, being active and giving
What activities and attractions are available locally which would encourage ‘taking notice’?
When can you take notice and reflect on what you experience?
To take notice is to be in the present, in the ‘here and now’ and to tune into our bodily sensations, our breathing and our experiences but also what is going on around us, in our surroundings
Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...

11. Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...
Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger
Thank someone
Smile
Volunteer your time
Join a community group
Look out as well as in
Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you
Remember your self care though! What do you give yourself? How can you be more generous and appreciative of yourself? (Q4 page 15 in 5 ways to wellbeing handbook)
Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...

12. Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...
From what we get, we can make a living; what we give however, makes a life.”
Arthur Ashe “
activity 6
Self reflection exercise – Five ways to wellbeing balance wheel – where do you score on each section of the wheel between 1-5 (1 being the worst you can be and 5 being the best you can be). This identifies the areas in life that each individual needs to pay more attention to reach balance.
Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...

13. Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...
SELF CARE …
The “Five Ways to Wellbeing” are simple, accessible and achievable for everyone
Choosing to act and engage in the “Five Ways to Wellbeing” will result in living well.
Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...

14. THE GP IS THE GATEWAY TO ALL STATUATORY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Always remember!
When distress is identified there are a range of services that can help
Always Refer
THE GP IS THE GATEWAY TO ALL
STATUATORY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Training is available in Mental Health First Aid, Safe Talk and ASIST for front line staff and volunteers
Lifeline – 24 7 helpline
Connect... Keep learning... Be active... Take notice... Give...

15. Short film links Suitable for adults https://youtu.be/yF7Ou43Vj6c
Suitable for all/ better for younger audience
These You Tube links can be used to highlight ways in which the Take 5 messages can be implemented in your sessions.