Introducing a new regular blog from Liam at the newly formed Wellbeing Team at Talk Wandsworth, who help people connect and access activities and resources to meet their physical, social and emotional needs. Over to you Liam...

Our team is experienced in supporting people with wellbeing through building on their existing strengths, developing new skills or social relationships. From dealing with psychological and emotional difficulties, to lacking in social support or relationship difficulties, to finding a new career path and pursuing life goals, our team specialises in delivering consistent, high quality wellbeing group interventions, community outreach and co-production sessions.

We work within a recovery-focused, psychologically-informed, holistic way whilst considering cultural and social needs of individuals and communities. We aim to develop high standard interventions and group workshop content and resources in line with client and community needs – collaborating and working together to keep our community healthy, co-developing, co-producing and co-delivering self-management opportunities, groups and courses.

We deliver bespoke workshops such as Relaxation and Self-Care and Overcoming Anger and Irritability and arrange mental health awareness events, wellbeing talks and social inclusion groups. There is a shared decision-making process, and the courses and workshops cover a range of topics.

We are excited about working with Tooting Daily PRSS and look forward to providing information about wellbeing and announcing our activities across the borough.

Look out for our monthly posts for further information – our first one discusses the five steps to wellbeing (source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/) 

Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing

Evidence suggests there are five steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing. If you give them a try, you may feel happier, more positive and able to get the most from life.

What is mental wellbeing?

Sarah Stewart-Brown, Professor of Public Health at the University of Warwick and a wellbeing expert, says: "Feeling happy is a part of mental wellbeing. But it’s far from the whole.

“Feelings of contentment, enjoyment, confidence and engagement with the world are all a part of mental wellbeing. Self-esteem and self-confidence are, too.

“So is a feeling that you can do the things you want to do. And so are good relationships, which bring joy to you and those around you.

“Of course, good mental wellbeing does not mean that you never experience feelings or situations that you find difficult, but it does mean that you feel you have the resilience to cope when times are tougher than usual.

“It can help to think about ‘being well’ as something you do, rather than something you are. The more you put in, the more you are likely to get out.”

Below are five things that, according to research, can really help to boost our mental wellbeing: 

Connect
Connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships. Learn more in Connect for mental wellbeing.

Be Active
You don't have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life.

Keep Learning
Learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up for that cooking course, start learning to play a musical instrument, or figure out how to fix your bike? 

Give To Others
Even the smallest act can count, whether it's a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre, can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.

Be Mindful 
Be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

You can find our more about Talk Wandsworth on their website and follow them on Twitter. You can also visit them at Talk Wandsworth, First Floor Office Premises, 56 Tooting High Street, SW17 0RN or call on 020 3513 6264.

This article would not be possible without the support of our fantastic Community Partners. Click here to find out more.