A Happier Healthier DerbyshireDerbyshire Director of Public Health Annual Report 2015

Positive mental wellbeing is an important cornerstone of good health. There are simple ways that we can all use to make a difference to the way we feel, think and react to life’s ups and downs.

Derbyshire has lots of assets and opportunities that can contribute to our feeling of wellbeing: beautiful countryside, friendly people and supportive communities. However there are considerable challenges too – welfare reforms, housing problems, work pressures and family life are just a few examples of day to day problems faced by many.

This report gives some simple, affordable ways that we can all use to make a difference to how we feel. The 5 Ways to Wellbeing are tried and tested actions to improve both mental and physical wellbeing. It takes a bit of practice to build them into your life, but they are fun and these small changes can make a real difference.There are lots of connections between the five areas and I have provided some examples of the great things that Derbyshire people are doing and some examples of what you, your family and friends can do as well. The links will take you to helpful opportunities to make your choices easier.The 5 Ways to Wellbeing are to Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. Do give them a try!Elaine Michel, Director of Public Health

Giving time and skills for Walking FootballFollowing a period of consultation within the villages of Barrow-upon-Trent and Etwall, it was identified that there was a specific need for activities for males over the age of 50. Walking football was identified as a popular option and local resident David Bacon, 67, came forward to offer his help in running and officiating the sessions.

David had been the manager of a local football team so using his local contacts and with the help of the Village Games project rallied people to spread the word. At the first session 12 people turned out.

The sessions that David coordinates have attracted over 30 participants with an average attendance of around 14 per session. Participants are people from surrounding villages with ages ranging from 51–78.

David and many of the participants have stated that “this has given them a new lease of life, allowing them to play the sport they love in a friendly environment whilst socialising and keeping active”

Local volunteer centres provide opportunities to ‘give’: www.volunteercentresderbyshire.org.uk

David (front middle)coordonator of the Walking Football initiative.

Give

Each year one in four people will

experience a mental health

issue

Click onto each of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing headings to find out more information.

On average one or two

people in 100 will experience

a severe mental illness

www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social_health/public-health/health_improvement/mental_health_and_wellbeing/default.asp

Enter a prize draw to win £50 shopping

vouchers. Upload a picture of you meeting one of the 5 ways of wellbeing along with

contact details onto

/derbyshirepublichealth

@DCCPublicHealth wellbeing@derbyshire.gov.uk

Closing date 15 December 2015

Successful creative arts initiatives are accessible across Derbyshire for a range of people. These include adult education opportunities such as painting, floristry, textiles and jewellery; and training in care homes for staff to deliver arts sessions.

The formation of a pottery group, in a collaboration between the Eco-Centre in Wirksworth and the Alzheimer’s Society, supports people living with dementia and their carers.

Those in the group living with dementia have thrived on learning new skills and sharing ideas with others. They have been encouraged to focus on tasks, have shown enthusiasm for what they are working on and experience a sense of achievement again.

Many participants spend time during the week preparing for the sessions such as the collection of materials to use. Communication skills are encouraged through talking to other members of the group about individual tasks. There is a lot of humour, comfort and calmness as well as purpose; much of this is due to the approach of the staff, who are dementia trained.

Carers also gain a lot from the sessions including enjoyment of learning new skills in a relaxed, supportive environment, a feeling of togetherness and support in managing difficulties. Thoughts and experiences are shared to offer solutions to some of the common issues faced. Joy, fun and laughter are shared as they learn, knowing that for a while they can relax.

www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/adult_education/get_into_learning/default.asp

Keep Learning

Public Health Annual Report_Older Adults_FINAL.indd 1 04/11/2015 15:11

Mindfulness What we do and the way we think can have the biggest impact on wellbeing.

Savour the moment. Reflect on experiences to help you to realise what is important to you.

Yoga, tai-chi and meditation are what we usually associate with mindfulness but simple daily actions can contribute.

• Break from the normal routine• Take a different route home• Have lunch somewhere different• Remark on the unusual• Notice the changing seasons• Be curious• Catch sight of the beautiful

50+ Forums are a network of local groups which hold regular meetings across the county. Local and national organisations are invited to speak to keep older people up to date with information, services and opportunities and to provide the opportunity to link on personal and local issues.

One project through the Forum enables people to learn about new topics and to develop new skills with intergenerational work. It provides the opportunity for older people to be more involved in their local community, to offer their time and skills to local organisations and projects and to spend time with younger members of the community.

Glenys has been involved with the Heanor & District 50+ Forum for many years. Glenys has been instrumental in the Forum’s successes, some of which include;

• Key involvement with local Patient Participation Groups (PPG’s)

• Providing vital communication and consultation streams for older people regarding Heanor Memorial Hospital

• Building a strong relationship with Blend Youth Project. They hold many varied intergenerational events throughout the year including activity afternoons, festive parties, cooking, smartphone/tablet buddying sessions

Glenys loves her work with the forum as it keeps her connected to her local community and enables her to use the skills and experience she has built up throughout her life.

www.derbyshire.gov.uk/community/50_plus_forum/default.asp

Connect

If you want to know more about mental health and wellbeing click on here to go to The State of Mental Health in Derbyshire.

You can find out more about what happened as a result of my last Public Health Annual Report; A Fairer, Healthier Derbyshire 2014 here

Take Notice

Twice as many women than

men experience a common

mental health issue after

age 65

1 in 5 adults in Derbyshire

report suffering from

anxiety or depression

Village Games – BolsoverActive 4 Life is run in several sheltered housing sites, care homes and day centres around Bolsover. An activity leader offers some light exercise sessions once a week for 6 weeks. The activities, which can be performed seated or standing, are all suitable for older adults and include new age kurling, boccia and skittles. Through the 6 weeks the activity leader ensures that staff based at each location are trained to deliver the activities and equipment is signed over so that the activities can continue. This enables the participants to continue to play, have fun and stay physically active.

Search for 50+ or any activities here: www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/club-and-activity-search

Be Active

Public Health Annual Report_Older Adults_FINAL.indd 2 04/11/2015 15:11