Volunteer Resources

5 Ways to Wellbeing

Evidence suggests there are five steps people can take to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help people feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

Right now the daily news can make people find it especially hard but staying positive is probably more important than ever.  

The added stress, uncertainty and worry we are all feeling at the moment is enough to test everyone.  Without our usual routines and  networks it is easy to find ourselves becoming overwhelmed and small things can become daunting. So, as well as the promoting the 5 Ways to Wellbeing above you might want to suggest the following 3 steps to help people see more of the rainbow than the storm.

  1. Be thankful— For the NHS, for the weather or just for being alive—whatever you feel grateful for.
  2. Limit your exposure to the news  – seriously, this works if you’re someone who’s checking their phone all day long try keep it to once in the morning or in the evening.
  3. Do things you enjoy— Leave the dishes—they can wait. Whatever floats your boat, do it just for you and do it just because.

Remember that staying well and keeping healthy during Lockdown is about many aspects of our day to day lives. There may be good days and bad days. Suggest to people who are struggling to take small steps to try to establish a routine and above all remind them to be kind to themselves.

Staying Well newsletters

Our Staying Well newsletters are full of interesting community information and news. Click the link to view the latest publications.

Community Blogs

News and community events and activities listed regularly.

Being Active

As we all adjust to the ‘new normal’ you might want to suggest that people make doing something active part of their normal routine. The world as we know it seems to have been turned on its head we are all having to get used to changes and new ways of doing things.  But some things remain the same and that includes the benefits of being active.

Keeping active not only helps our bodies stay happy and healthy but it can also lift our mood, bring a sense of achievement and   help add routine and structure our days.

Moving more doesn’t have to be scary or big. Just start simple and anyone can join in from the comfort of the homes many of us find ourselves confined to!  

Active at Home – A guide to staying active at home has some suggested exercises for people less mobile or quite inactive to start with.

How about suggesting people get out in the fresh air for an hour a day? A gentle walk can be done safely in your local area and leave you feeling energised and refreshed.

Libraries

  • Digital Library – E-books, e-audiobooks, e-comics and e-magazines are all available.
  • Home Library Service – The Home Library Service is still operating on a no contact basis. They are taking on new registrations however be aware they are prioritising people who have limited digital access. Call 01422 288062 between 9:30am and 1pm Monday – Friday.

Museums – Online Exhibitions

Volunteering

As a volunteer yourself you will know that volunteering can  give a  great sense of purpose and reward. It’s one of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and can also help people keep to a routine during lockdown or self isolation.

If you are befriending someone who is confident, chatty and friendly they might be a perfect person to suggest volunteering to. Right now volunteers are helping across Calderdale in a variety of ways including making befriending phone calls, shopping or medicine deliveries for vulnerable or isolated individuals, and even dog walking and helping people to get online. Staying Well can support people to start volunteering so get in touch with the team.

Keeping in touch with family and grandchildren

For many older people the long stretches of isolation without seeing beloved family members, especially grandchildren is tough to deal with and they turn to befriending because they don’t want to burden family and friends. For children, grandparents provide stability, safety, wisdom and fun and not being able to enjoy that regular contact especially for younger children can be confusing and upsetting.  

For many the telephone it still the go-to when it comes to keeping in touch, and with most modern landline phones coming with features such as hands-free calling and an answerphone, it shouldn’t be forgotten as a useful way to
keep in contact, especially with those who aren’t confident with a mobile phone or laptop, or who don’t own one.

But don’t assume your Befriend-ee isn’t wifi enabled! Its always worth asking.

With help from NHP Sure Start Children’s Centres, here are some ideas for activities that people can do online with adults and kids using popular video calling apps like Skype, Facetime and WhatsApp. Some of these could be adapted for the humble landline! :

1. Nana or Papa’s  Storytime – reading a favourite book at bed time is a great way to be involved in a child’s day and give stressed parents a bit of a break too! Booktrust has lots of free stories at www.booktrust.org.uk or why not make up your own story?

2. The Tray Game – particularly good if there are younger players in your game but can be challenging even for adults. The rules are very simple. The game leader places about 15-25 objects on a tray. The players have one minute to write down as many objects as they can remember.

3. Singing time –singing is good for the heart and soul. How many nursery rhymes or songs  can you remember from your childhood that you could teach?

4. Eye—Spy – Here’s a game that can easily be played online or over the phone. Older children will be able to visualise a room in your house they are familiar with. Use lots of clues to make this a bit easier for younger children.

5. Telling jokes – what’s brown and sticky? A stick! Kids love silly jokes. Look online or even get them to make them up for laughs all round!

6. Family Quiz –  Involve the whole family in your own general knowledge quiz. There are lots of online quizzes at the moment like the ‘Virtual Pub Quiz’ streamed live on YouTube every Thursday and Saturday night from 7.50pm.

7. Baking – share a simple recipe and guide little hands to set out and weigh the ingredients and stir the mixture as you demonstrate at home. When its all cooked don’t forget to eat what you’ve made together and talk about how yummy it is!

8. Lets do Lunch! Can you ‘meet up’ with friends or family by arranging a video chat over a coffee or a meal. Plan this in as a weekly event and something to look forward to.

9. A virtual hug—get creative and make a virtual hug by drawing a love heart, star or  rainbow and then email or post it  to your relatives.

10. Make a Wish Jar—Every time you or your family says I wish I could… For example, I wish we could go to the park/beach/swimming etc, Write it down and put it in a jar to be opened when lockdown ends. Then wait for the day when you can make all your wishes come true!