A Happier Healthier Derbyshire Derbyshire Director of Public Health Annual Report 2015 Positive mental wellbeing is an important cornerstone of good health. There are simple ways that we can all use to make a difference to the way we feel, think and react to life’s ups and downs. Derbyshire has lots of assets and opportunities that can contribute to our feeling of wellbeing: beautiful countryside, friendly people and supportive communities. However there are considerable challenges too – welfare reforms, housing problems, work pressures and family life are just a few examples of day to day problems faced by many. This report gives some simple, affordable ways that we can all use to make a difference to how we feel. The 5 Ways to Wellbeing are tried and tested actions to improve both mental and physical wellbeing. It takes a bit of practice to build them into your life, but they are fun and these small changes can make a real difference. There are lots of connections between the five areas and I have provided some examples of the great things that Derbyshire people are doing and some examples of what you, your family and friends can do as well. The links will take you to helpful opportunities to make your choices easier. The 5 Ways to Wellbeing are to Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. Do give them a try! Elaine Michel, Director of Public Health Giving time and skills for Walking Football Following a period of consultation within the villages of Barrow-upon-Trent and Etwall, it was identified that there was a specific need for activities for males over the age of 50. Walking football was identified as a popular option and local resident David Bacon, 67, came forward to offer his help in running and officiating the sessions. David had been the manager of a local football team so using his local contacts and with the help of the Village Games project rallied people to spread the word. At the first session 12 people turned out. The sessions that David coordinates have attracted over 30 participants with an average attendance of around 14 per session. Participants are people from surrounding villages with ages ranging from 51–78. David and many of the participants have stated that “this has given them a new lease of life, allowing them to play the sport they love in a friendly environment whilst socialising and keeping active” Local volunteer centres provide opportunities to ‘give’: www.volunteercentresderbyshire.org.uk David (front middle) coordonator of the Walking Football initiative. Give Each year one in four people will experience a mental health issue Click onto each of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing headings to find out more information. On average one or two people in 100 will experience a severe mental illness www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social_health/public-health/health_improvement/mental_health_and_wellbeing/default.asp Enter a prize draw to win £50 shopping vouchers. Upload a picture of you meeting one of the 5 ways of wellbeing along with contact details onto /derbyshirepublichealth @DCCPublicHealth [email protected] Closing date 15 December 2015 Successful creative arts initiatives are accessible across Derbyshire for a range of people. These include adult education opportunities such as painting, floristry, textiles and jewellery; and training in care homes for staff to deliver arts sessions. The formation of a pottery group, in a collaboration between the Eco-Centre in Wirksworth and the Alzheimer’s Society, supports people living with dementia and their carers. Those in the group living with dementia have thrived on learning new skills and sharing ideas with others. They have been encouraged to focus on tasks, have shown enthusiasm for what they are working on and experience a sense of achievement again. Many participants spend time during the week preparing for the sessions such as the collection of materials to use. Communication skills are encouraged through talking to other members of the group about individual tasks. There is a lot of humour, comfort and calmness as well as purpose; much of this is due to the approach of the staff, who are dementia trained. Carers also gain a lot from the sessions including enjoyment of learning new skills in a relaxed, supportive environment, a feeling of togetherness and support in managing difficulties. Thoughts and experiences are shared to offer solutions to some of the common issues faced. Joy, fun and laughter are shared as they learn, knowing that for a while they can relax. www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/adult_education/get_into_ learning/default.asp Keep Learning Public Health Annual Report_Older Adults_FINAL.indd 1 04/11/2015 15:11