Looking after your wellbeing
Good mental wellbeing is important for our physical health, our relationships, our education, our work and to achieving our potential. It can help us to cope with life’s problems and to enjoy the good things.
Mental health problems range from the worries we all experience as part of everyday life to serious long-term conditions. They are very common, affecting about 1 in every 4 people in Britain in any given year. The majority of people who experience mental health problems can work through them or learn to live with them, especially if they get help early on.
Your mental health doesn't always stay the same. It can change as circumstances change and as you move through different stages of your life.
Looking after your wellbeing
The Five Ways to Wellbeing are a set of steps that any of us can take to improve upon our wellbeing:
1. Connect
Connect with the people around you, family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.
There are many groups in the borough where you can connect with your friends and neighbours.
2. Be active
Regular exercise is good for your mental health. Try going for a walk or a run, being out in the garden or playing a game.
3. Take notice - be curious and aware of the world around you
Taking a minute to be in the moment can help to reduce stress and appreciate the world around you.
Taking notice can involve doing some yoga or mindfulness, going for a walk and appreciating the nature around you or meeting a friend and being in the moment.
4. Keep learning
Trying new things is great for your mental health. Why not try a new recipe, learn a new language or set yourself a challenge.
5. Give
Giving back to your community is a great way to look after your own wellbeing. Do something nice for somebody, volunteer or maybe join a community group.
Are you worried about your mental health?
There are many services and groups in Newham that can support you with your mental health. You can find some suggestions below, or you can browse all local services here.
Talking Therapies
Talking Therapies is an NHS-run service that helps provides free and confidential support to residents of Newham or those who have a GP in Newham. You can get support for common mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression.
Talking Therapies free wellbeing workshops
There is an ongoing calendar of webinars on topics such as:
Building confidence
Dealing with worries and anxiety
Coping with grief
Men's mental health
Living well with a long term health condition
Improving sleep
Managing stress
And much more
Good Thinking Mental Wellbeing Platform
Good Thinking is an online platform that supports Londoners to look after their mental health and wellbeing in a way that works for them. Over 700,000 people have used the platform to tackle anxiety, stress, low mood, sleep problems and other mental health worries.
Newham Recovery College
Through recovery focused educational courses and workshops we bring together the expertise of lived experience and professional knowledge in a process of co-production and / or co-learning to learn together.
Support with problems at work
The Employment Rights Hub is here to help you resolve issues at work that are causing you stress, for example unpaid wages, discrimination, sickness absence, etc.
CODY DOCK THERAPEUTIC GARDENING PROGRAMME
The therapeutic gardening project at Cody Dock offers weekly (2.5 hour) gardening activity sessions over a 6-week period to anyone who wants to improve their mental health, physical health, and general well-being.
Reading Well scheme
Reading Well is a national scheme supporting people to understand and manage their health and wellbeing by reading.
The books on reading lists can be recommended by a health professional and borrow free of charge from any Newham libraries using library card.
All mental health support services in our directory
Take a look at all the mental health support available for Newham residents
Helpful resources
Below are some helpful resources and links you can use to get advice and guidance on how to look after your mental health.
Faith-based well-being guides
Good Thinking provides tailored wellbeing resources and support for faith and belief communities, including guides, videos and podcasts.
Wellbeing guides in other languages
Thrive London has produced a series of welling guides in various languages.