The ‘Five ways to wellbeing’ have been identified as simple actions that anyone can take to have a positive impact on their day to day wellbeing. Why not try building on these five actions to see if they can make a difference to your wellbeing.
Connect
Join a local group – there are lots of groups and activities going on across Dudley. Dudley Community Information Directory is a good place to find out what is going on that you could get involved in.
Keep in touch with friends and family: send a letter, pictures, photographs or postcards. It is a great feeling to send and to receive something nice. Try a live video calls, there are a wide range of platforms available. On the call you could talk, play a board game, try a quiz, work through a crossword or support each other with a piece of work. Pick up the telephone and chat, this can be enough to help people feel connected.
Befriending services are also available for people who would like to connect. Locally the Beacon Centre offer a befriending service. Silverline with Age UK help to support older people through telephone friendship. Mind have the Side By Side supportive online community where you can receive and give help to others in similar situations to you.
Connecting with the people you live with: Some of the ideas for the five ways to wellbeing could be shared with the people you live with. This could help stimulate conversations and be an avenue of support for one another.
Reach out to talk if you are struggling with your mental health or if you are worried about someone you know. There is help available! Talk to you GP or access mental health services.
Be active
Being more active can improve our mental wellbeing. This could be being more active in your day to day life, or taking part in an activity.
There are lots of opportunities on the move more pages. This includes information on Healthy Hubs, Park Active, Walking, Lets-get moving campaign, leisure centres. You can also find lots of community exercise sessions on the Dudley Community Information Directory
Sport England have resources giving ideas and support for being active. They have resources for people of all abilities and ages.
Outdoor activities: The Dudley Borough has a varied and beautiful landscape, which can be explored by walking. There are 7 nature reserves and lots of local parks in Dudley.
Learn
Adult community learning: lots of courses both face to face and online at Dudley Adult and Community Learning.
Lifelong learning: Learning does not have to be about gaining a qualification, it can be a new or old hobby or skill, reading information from a website or any book that helps you learn about something you enjoy. You could also access Dudley’s Community Information Directory to see if there is a local group you would like to join.
Take notice
Outdoor space: Enjoy your outside space or views by taking the time to appreciate and identify wildlife. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds can help you get started and Wildlife Watch can help the whole family connect with nature, this is also suitable for children.
Indoor space: If you don’t have an outside space you can try to bring nature inside by creating an indoor garden.
Mindfulness: Why not try some mindfulness activities, find out more about mindfulness on the Every Mind Matters website.
Give
Volunteering opportunities: There are many volunteering opportunities across Dudley. Dudley Volunteer Centre will help to find the best opportunity for you.
Give to a charity: Such as the Black Country Foodbank or any other good cause you feel you would like to support.
Help a neighbour: Watch out for those you know are vulnerable in your community, check that they are not struggling and offer a helping hand where you can.