Cultivating Wellbeing - Opportunities for Engagement with the Natural World
NHS Somerset and Carymoor Environmental Trust have produced a new Cultivating Wellbeing leaflet, to promote opportunities for volunteering, training and employment with environmental projects across Somerset.
Please visit this page for further information and to download the leaflet.
Feel Better with a Book!
Who goes to Feel Better with a Book groups?
Groups are for book lovers and for people who don't read at all. They are for people who are living with mental health issues.
What is a Feel Better with a Book group like?
Small and friendly - six to 10 people who meet weekly for one to two hours.
What happens in the group?
Short stories, novels and poems are read aloud to everyone. We share responses and feelings stimulated by the reading.
What kind of things do the groups read?
Old classics, short stories and modern titles by well-known writers.
What would I get out of it?
The pleasure and entertainment of being read to and the sharing of positive life experiences in a relaxing social group. Groups can improve concentration, self-confidence and self-esteem.
Do I come on my own?
Yes, if you feel comfortable with that.
Anything else?
Feel Better with a Book groups are free. Refreshments are provided. You are welcome to drop in to a group when convenient. If you're interested, please contact one of the Reader Facilitators by clicking here for their contact information and details of the groups.
"Being part of a group is special - it's more than just reading a book. I was never a great reader beforehand, but this group is something that I have become attached to; it means a lot to me to be a part of it and it has helped me in my life outside as well." Quote from a group member.
We all know about the physical health benefits of squeezing some activity into our daily lives, but getting active can boost your mental wellbeing at the same time.
Exercise has been proven to increase your energy levels, reduce stress, feelings of depression and anxiety, boost your mood and it is a great way to overcome any negative emotions you are feeling – and that can be after just one session. Some studies have shown that it can have the same antidepressant affect as psychotherapy or group therapy and more and more doctors are being encouraged to prescribe an exercise programme as part of a treatment plan for depression.
Here in Somerset we have a whole series of activities designed to help peole get moving for mental health, which can be found here, so get moving for mental health.
Resources
Mental Capital and Wellbeing - Making the most of ourselves in the 21st Century
Somerset Health Promotion Resource Service
Information, help and advice on Dementia (including the full Somerset Dementia Strategy)
Coping with the stress of job uncertainty leaflet: unemployment can be hard to cope with, but you needn't struggle on your own. There are services developed to offer advice and support to people in difficult circumstances.
HM Government (2011) No Health Without Mental Health: A cross-Government mental health outcomes strategy for people of all ages
HM Government (2010) Healthy Lives, Healthy People: Our Strategy for Public Health in England.
Knapp M, McDaid D and Parsonage M (2011) Mental Health Promotion and Mental Illness Prevention: The Economic Case LSE PSSRU/Centre for Mental Health/DH/KCL
Marmot M et al (2010) Fair Society, Healthy Lives: Review of Health Inequalities and the Social Determinants of Health
