Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing is a set of evidence based public health messages aimed at improving the wellbeing of us all. Staff member Jenny Campbell has been trained as a “Take 5 Steps Ambassador” and used these skills and knowledge to run a workshop with several residents within the home.

Gordon, Linda, Debbie, David, Fiona, Desmond and Karen all chose to join in. To start off we completed an icebreaker which helped us feel a bit more relaxed and ready to learn. Then we concentrated on the 5 Steps.

Step 1 Connect – we talked about how important it was especially in the present time to connect with people around us whether it was friends, staff or family members as building connections supports and enriches us every day.

Step 2 Keep Learning – we said that we shouldn’t be afraid to try something new, maybe rediscover an old hobby. Desmond told us he used to like to play the piano and guitar and this was something he would like to try again.

Step 3 Be active – exercising makes us all feel good this may be going for a short walk, playing a game, spending time working in the garden or dancing. Karen said being busy/active improves her mood and makes her feel better.

Step 4 Take Notice- Stop, pause and take a moment to look around us. We did a nature trail in our garden and this was a great opportunity to see all the beautiful plants and creatures that are in our garden area.

Step 5 Give – do something nice for a friend, thank someone, smile as helping, giving and sharing are all associated with self worth and positive feelings.

Karen, Desmond and Gordon all said they would like to do more activities like this as they really enjoyed it and it made them feel good. Have a look at their photographs below.