Flintshire residents encouraged to ‘be a part, not apart’

Flintshire residents and organisations are being challenged to recognise the importance of positive mental health, and take steps to improve and maintain their own and others mental health and wellbeing.

The ‘Be a Part, Not Apart’ campaign will run across the county until the end of April, with specially commissioned posters and postcards containing the campaign messages. A range of open access events which encourage people to ‘be a part’ of activities that promote positive mental health is also being planned across the county.

The three month campaign will launch at Connah’s Quay Civic Hall today (Monday 1 February). Keynote speakers include Mary Burrows, Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwalader University Health Board, Cllr Carol Ellis, Executive Member of Flintshire County Council, and Kieran Duff, Chief Officer of Flintshire Local Voluntary Council.

Jackie James, Principal Health Development Specialist with Flintshire Local Public Health Team, said: “We all know how important it is to get our five portions of fruit and vegetables a day in order to keep our bodies healthy. This new campaign reminds people about the importance of keeping their minds healthy by acting on the ‘five ways to wellbeing’ every day.”

The five ways to wellbeing are a set of actions which are based on scientific evidence from the UK Government’s Foresight Project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing which shows that when they are built into our daily lives they can help to improve our mental health and wellbeing.

The five ways to wellbeing are to: connect, be active, keep learning, take notice, and give.

Flintshire residents are being encouraged to CONNECT with the people around them because social relationships are crucial to wellbeing.

Jackie said: “Research shows that wellbeing is increased by life goals associated with family, friends and social activities, and decreased by life goals associated with career success and material gain.

“Investing time in developing connections with people – whether it’s at home, work, school, or in your local community – will support and enrich you everyday.”

Being physically active on a regular basis is associated with feelings of wellbeing, and has been proven to lower rates of depression and anxiety.

Jackie continues: “It’s easy to BE ACTIVE when you live in Flintshire as we are surrounded by such beautiful countryside. Dancing to music on the radio, going for a walk or even just pottering in the garden not only get us active but makes us feel good too.”

The third way to wellbeing is to TAKE NOTICE. Research from the US shows that practising awareness of sensations, thoughts and feelings can improve our self awareness and our wellbeing for several years.

Kim Burkhill, Senior Health Development Specialist with Flintshire Local Public Health Team, said: “We are constantly bombarded with messages from companies advertising their services on TV, radio, magazines, the internet and billboards. This sensory saturation can leave us with little time to savour or reflect on our feelings.

“Taking notice means taking a moment to be curious and remark on the unusual. Being aware of the world around you and reflecting on your experiences will help you to appreciate what really matters to you.”

It is important for people of all ages to KEEP LEARNING in order to develop new skills, strengthen social networks and increase self-esteem and confidence. Setting a new challenge such as learning an instrument or how to cook your favourite food, rediscovering an old interest or taking on a different responsibility at work are all positive ways to increase wellbeing.

The fifth way to wellbeing is to GIVE. Neuroscience studies show cooperative behaviour activates the reward areas of the brain, suggesting we are hard wired to enjoy helping one another.

Kim continues: “Think how good you feel when someone does you an unexpected good turn, or pays you a compliment. So let’s all make an extra effort to ‘give’ to others every day. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.”

Kieran Duff, Chief Officer of Flintshire Local Voluntary Council recognises the importance of mental wellbeing for overall community wellbeing:

“The ‘Be a Part, Not Apart’ campaign is so important in raising awareness of mental wellbeing. The voluntary sector offers numerous opportunities for people to connect, learn, take notice, be active and give – and we are delighted to be able to be partners in this initiative. By encouraging people to protect and promote positive mental health and wellbeing everyday, we hope to make a real difference to the lives of the people of Flintshire.”

The three month campaign is being run by Flintshire Local Public Health Team and Health Challenge Flintshire with funding from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Wellbeing Activity Grant.

For more information on events and how local residents are taking up the challenge, visit www.healthchallengeflintshire.co.uk or contact Flintshire Local Public Health Team on 01352 803311 for more information.