Positive projects to boost mental health
05/06/2024
With over 2 million people waiting for NHS mental health services (2024, Mind), many people are turning to self help while waiting to receive professional help. The NHS have a guide (inspired by NEF research) that includes five steps to mental wellbeing.
These steps include:
- Connect with people
- Be physically active
- Learn new skills
- Give to others
- Pay attention to the present moment
We spoke with two charities who talk about the services they provide that brings these 5 steps together.
UK Men’s Sheds Association
UK Men’s Sheds Association are an organisation for people to come together. They encourage their members to connect, create and converse with each other as well as the wider community. Not only providing a space for practical interests, it's also a great place to meet new people and make new friends. We spoke to David Meli, Partnerships and Community Development Manager, who explains how they're helping their members:
“There’s no template for what a Shed project looks like. They are hosted in all different kinds of locations (such as allotments, vacant shop premises, railway stations, church buildings, even a disused mortuary!) and offer different activities. 90% do some kind of woodwork, but others offer music, metal work, fish breeding, even wine making! People come to learn new skills. Everyone is welcome. Despite their name Sheds aren’t just for men.
But what is common across the network is the core purpose of Sheds - to help men to talk about their mental and physical health. We call it ‘health by stealth’. Sheds are welcoming environments. People can come and drink tea or do their own projects or group tasks. Our monthly newsletter is called Shoulder to Shoulder. Working alongside each other, talking, listening, fixing problems, is what we do.
We work with partners such as Prostate Cancer UK, CALM, Mind and the Zero Suicide Alliance and share their work and expertise with our members. As an association we help the people running the Sheds to develop their ability to have these important conversations. For example, for World Mental Health Day this year, we included actions and activities that Sheds could do, in the newsletter.
When you talk with people in a Shed, you find out the reasons why people are there. Our typical attendee is a man in his mid-50s. People come to get a break from their caring responsibilities, stressful jobs or to get out of the house if they have lost a partner. It’s still taboo for many of this generation to think about their mental health or reach out for support. Suicide is common.
We know that Sheds give people a real boost. Some are open a few hours a week, others every day. This day in the life from Bootle Tool Shed illustrates the energy of a Shed. These are positive spaces with people using their skills and creativity to support each other. Many Sheds carry out community repairs or jobs. Building or mending something which improves a local park or school, or helps an individual, gives Shedders a great sense of achievement and purpose. It makes them feel worthwhile.
Our role is to tell people about the Shed movement. Everyone knows someone who would need this."
Creative projects for older people in Oxfordshire
Age UK have developed their own Index of Wellbeing in Later Life, focusing on people who are over 60. It states that the biggest direct factor for wellbeing in later life is the taking part in enjoyable, meaningful activities. Their report also looked deeper into the importance of creative and cultural participation.
Helen Fountain, Age Friendly Creative Manager at Age UK Oxfordshire told us about the work she is involved with. “Oxfordshire is a large county with lots of rural areas. It is easy for older people to feel isolated and lonely as they deal with the challenges of later life. The good news is that there are lots of projects and activities aimed at older people with the goal of improving health and wellbeing. We run some ourselves and signpost to others.
Creativity means lots of different things to different people. From book groups to art and crafts, going to the theatre, singing, dancing or sharing local history. Taking part helps people to develop or start new interests and skills, connect with others and keep active.
The barriers for people joining in include transport and accessible facilities but also knowing what is on and having someone to go with. We work with partners and projects to make sure their activities are accessible to older people. Our group of ambassadors volunteer as consultants, sharing their lived experience to help shape cultural activities across the region.
Initiatives like Age Friendly Banbury also help to recognise the needs of older people and ensure they are included. The vision for the initiative is of a “Banbury for all ages – a friendly and more accessible town for everyone”.
Age UK’s vision is a world where everyone can love later life. We don't want people just to survive but to thrive. Good mental wellbeing is key to this.”
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