Community Chesterfield’s Public Health Event: Enhancing Wellbeing at the University of Derby
Prioritising our well-being is essential in today's fast-paced society when stress and mental health problems are becoming more common. In response to this need, Community Chesterfield recently planned an outstanding public health symposium at the University of Derby that was themed around the "5 Ways to Wellbeing." This event not only highlighted the crucial facets of mental health but also the value of working with charitable organisations to advance both individual and communal wellbeing. Here’s what some of those in attendance had to say-
'It's been an absolutely fantastic day today! I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone that’s been involved in delivering the sessions. I feel I understand the sector so much more than I did before today. I now have somewhere to signpost patients to! It's been thoroughly educational and tremendously enjoyable’ Student, University of Derby
‘I thoroughly enjoyed today's seminars…As a student nurse is a great opportunity to use these [voluntary organisations] in my learning assignments as well as signposting patients’ Student, University of Derby
‘The Community Chesterfield partnership is really important because it infuses that link between Public Health and what we teach at the university to our students. It shows students the benefits of voluntary services in support healthcare outside of the clinical setting’ Gail Fedrick, University of Derby
Let's examine the main lessons learned from this experience and the importance of collaborating with non-profit organisations to improve mental health and community spirit.
1. Connect: Building Social Support Networks
Connecting with others is the first tenet of the "5 Ways to Wellbeing" discussed at the event. Maintaining excellent mental health requires creating and fostering meaningful relationships. Connecting with loved ones, friends, and neighbours is crucial for cultivating a sense of community, according to Community Chesterfield. They urged guests to get involved with local nonprofit organisations in order to build robust social networks and foster connections that have a good impact on their mental health.
2. Be Active: The Benefits of Physical Activity
Regular exercise is not only essential for preserving physical health, but it also significantly contributes to the promotion of mental wellbeing. Community Chesterfield’s guest speakers highlighted how exercise can lower stress, improve mood, and build self-confidence. Working with organisations that support physical fitness might offer chances to get in some fun exercise while also supporting neighbourhood causes.
3. Take Notice: Mindfulness and Self-Awareness
In today's hectic environment, it's simple to forget to be in the present. The idea of "taking notice" aims to make people more aware of and appreciative of their surroundings. Parts of the programme put a focus on the value of mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and gratitude exercises. People can improve their overall well-being, increase their self-awareness, and reduce stress by collaborating with charitable organisations that provide mindfulness training or retreats.
4. Keep Learning: Lifelong Personal Development
A rewarding and enlightening experience is acquiring new knowledge and skills. Community Chesterfield emphasised the value of ongoing personal growth as a means of fostering mental well-being. Participants were urged to sign up for charitable organisations that offer workshops, educational programmes, and chances for personal development. Learning activities not only increase self-esteem but also foster resilience and mental flexibility.
5. Give: The Joy of Volunteering
Giving back to the community is the fifth and final pillar of the "5 Ways to Wellbeing" strategy. Community Chesterfield emphasised the great satisfaction and benefits of volunteering for both community and mental health. People can discover meaningful opportunities to volunteer their time and skills to help community activities by collaborating with non-profit organisations. In addition to fostering a sense of purpose, volunteering also improves interpersonal relationships and general wellbeing.
Working together with non-profit organisations has several advantages for community support and mental health. Collaboration with these groups enables people to-
Access Resources and Expertise: Charity and community groups possess valuable knowledge and resources related to mental health and wellbeing. Community Chesterfield emphasised the great satisfaction and benefits of volunteering for both to the community and personal mental health. People can discover meaningful opportunities to volunteer their time and skills to help community activities by collaborating with non-profit organisations. In addition to fostering a sense of purpose, volunteering also improves interpersonal relationships and general wellbeing.
Sense of Belonging: Partnerships with charity groups creates community spirit and a sense of belonging and worth. Being part of a collaboration to support each other creates social connections, builds valuable skills, and promotes overall wellbeing.
Shared Purpose and Impact: Working together with non-profit organisations has several advantages for community support and mental health. Collaboration with charity groups allows individuals to match their personal values and interests with initiatives in the community to work towards a shared goal.