Organisations across the Verve Healthy Living Network base many of their activities on five steps that we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing. Verve Community Health Trainers are trained Take 5 Ambassadors and deliver sessions or programmes based on the Take 5.
1. Connect with the people around you
2. Be active – walk, cycle, run or play
3. Take notice of the world around you
4. Keep learning or try something new
5. Give – do something nice for someone else
Forest bathing (or Shinrin-Yoku in Japanese) was developed in Japan in 1982 as part of a national health programme designed to reduce population stress levels and deaths that had resulted from a culture of over-work.
Forest bathing is a mindful, multisensory experience in nature that supports participants to relieve stress by slowing down in nature. Participants are invited to deepen their connection with nature through immersive activities within the forest atmosphere and in local natural green spaces.
Community Health Trainers facilitate 4-6 week programmes throughout the year.
We welcome enquiries about local programmes and the booking of Health Trainers for programme delivery – contact us to find out more.
“If you want to connect with nature, relax and spend time to either reconnect with your thoughts or ignore them, then do this!”
“Thankyou for the opportunity to attend this morning’s session of forest bathing & Chi me, what a fabulous event, soo enjoyed.”
“Welcome initiative which utilised local natural resources to help address the stresses of modern living, led by very personable and committed leaders and should make a positive difference.”
Nature Connection Walks offer nature-based mindfulness and sensory experiences, which reduce stress, improve mood, and support mental clarity, offering individuals natural, low-stress pathways to mental health improvement, aligning with the Take 5 Steps to Wellness focus.
Community Health Trainers facilitate these walks across the Verve Healthy Living Network.
While not always easy to do, finding the time to take a break from the pressures of everyday life can help to lift our mood, by boosting our confidence and making us feel more engaged and resilient.Any type of art can:
• lower stress
• boost happiness
• promote social relationships
• aid in self-discovery.
Whether or not you consider yourself an artist, creative expression is great for your health.
Many of the organisations across the Verve Healthy Living Network provide arts and craft activities.
Many of us struggle with getting good sleep and very often small behaviour changes can help us get a better night’s rest. R.E.S.T stands for Routine, Environment, Stimulation Control and Thinking, and has been developed as a second generation Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia. Health Trainers have completed this training. And can provide a personalised assessment of lifestyle and behaviours that have an impact on good sleep. Support and advice provided to each client is specific to them, and focuses only on the factors relevant to the client.
The Sleep Council provides self-help on getting a better night’s sleep
If you would like a presentation to a group or you are an individual who would benefit from motivational support from a Health Trainer click here.
