Engagement and Well-being
As well as physical health, mental health is as important. It’s important that individuals stay on top of their mental wellbeing, stay engaged and are physically healthy. We have put together a page of exercise, engagement and wellbeing resources for you to use with those who you are looking after.
This page is a great place for you to start and view all the latest opportunities and resources for individuals to get involved in. Resources are suitable for those living in their own homes, those living with a learning disability or for those living in a residential home.
Click the buttons to explore our resources:
Engagement
It is vitally important to engage the people you support in activities to stay mentally and physically well. HCPA has gathered several ideas to be used in a wide range of settings.
See below for what will be best suited for you.
Mental Health Settings
Residential Settings
Home Care
Dementia Settings
Adult Disability
HCPA Activity Sheets
Suitable for all and fantastic for staff to do with those they are looking afterPlease see below for a list of enjoyable and creative activity ideas for absolutely anyone during this time. They will keep you busy and engaged while staying at home:
- Find out how to make quick and easy bird feeders for your garden or outside space: Bird feeders
- Hold your own tea dance and listen to some traditional tea party music. Sway, clap, tap and get moving! – Tea Dance
- Making use of the garden is beneficial to mental health. Watching wildlife is also a great way to enjoy the outdoors and discuss the importance of the ecosystem: Wildlife Watch
- Engage with individuals by bird watching, which you can do inside or outside. You could always print off birds and see if they can be spotted! Bird Watching
- Get on the internet and watch YouTube for some excellent hand dance routines and practice them along to some music. Wheelchair Dance
The Royal Occupational Therapists toolkit
If you are working in a Care Home or just need some ideas to keep you or someone you are looking after engaged
The Royal Occupational Therapists have put together a toolkit with many ideas and resources to keep the mind stimulated.
Click on the link to see the different topics they provide information about, including reminiscence:
Reminiscence Activities
If you are working in a Care Home or if you are supporting someone with Dementia at homeReminiscence activities can bring back happy memories to ignite positive feelings. If you are supporting someone living with Dementia then sharing life experiences, memories, and stories from the past can give those who are living with Dementia confidence and stimulate memories.
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has put together a document full of information on reminiscence activities
» Social care institute for excellence: Reminiscence activitiesAlzheimer’s Society
If you are supporting someone living with Dementia
Think about cooking at home and using technology to be in contact with others. Visit their website for lots of ideas on how to keep those your are supporting engaged:
» Alzheimers.org Activity ideas
If you are supporting someone living with Dementia and would like to talk to others for advice, join the Alzheimer’s Society forum. This can help people reach out to others going through similar experiences:
Activities for Older People in Care Homes by Sarah Crocket
When tasked with providing activities for older people in care, it can be difficult to know where to begin. What constitutes an activity? How can you make sure activities are positive and person-centred? What can you actually do? Offering advice, encouragement and a wealth of practical suggestions, this is an indispensable companion for carers.
Resources for Activities
Watford Recycling Arts Project (WRAP)
Watford Recycling Arts Project (WRAP) is a registered charity specialising in the recycling and repurposing of ethically sourced commercial waste for creative enterprise.
We offer 3 membership rates, for families/individuals, small non-profit making groups and schools/commercial groups
Address: Unit 3, WOLSEY BUSINESS PARK, Tolpits Ln, Northwood, Rickmansworth…
Watford Recycling Arts Project
Phone 07543508529
Herts Disability Sports Foundation (HDSF) Find and activity:
Herts Disability Sports Foundation exists to provide sports and physical activity opportunities, accessible to everyone, in order to improve conditions of life and advance mental and physical health and wellbeing. HDSF also has a remit to advance education in the form of training and development, promote volunteering, social inclusion, equality and diversity.
How we are different…
- We offer a fully inclusive service
- We put the beneficiary first and tailor our work around the individual
- We understand the needs of the individual, based on our training and extensive experience
Go to the website to find out more!
Find an Activity – Herts Disability (hdsf.co.uk)
Phone
01462 542498
Postal Address
Herts Disability Sports Foundation
Knights Templar School
Park Street
Baldock
Hertfordshire
SG7 6DZ
Electric Umbrella
Suitable for everyoneElectric Umbrella is a group of musicians with learning difficulties who perform their music at various events.
Join them daily for huge helpings of fun, music, and madness!
Stay connected throughout the day with programming that will keep everyone entertained and, above all, smiling.
With their professional music makers and special guest slots, they’ll bring you a fully interactive experience that means no one should feel home alone.
» More information available at www.electricumbrella.co.uk
National Theatre
Suitable for everyone
The National Theatre at home are still planning ways to keep you entertained. Take a look on their youtube channel to view quizzes hosted by famous faces!
Dance Syndrome
Suitable for those living with Learning disabilities.
These dance sessions are adapted so everyone can take part at home and it is suitable for everyone with a range of abilities and disabilities. It is a great way to keep active and have a good time from the comfort of your own home.
Herts Sport & Activity Partnership
The Herts Sport & The Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) works strategically and collaboratively to improve the lives of the people of Hertfordshire, by using the power of sport and physical activity to tackle inequality and disadvantage.
Visit the website https://sportinherts.org.uk/
Contact via Email at hspinfo@herts.ac.uk
Well-being
Wellbeing refers to the overall state of an individual’s physical, mental, and social health. It encompasses various aspects such as emotional stability, social connections, and a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
In Health and Social Care settings, promoting wellbeing is crucial for several reasons:
- Improved Quality of Care: When caregivers and support workers have good wellbeing, they are more likely to provide high-quality care. Poor mental health among carers can lead to errors and negatively impact the care provided.
- Better Health Outcomes: Wellbeing is linked to better physical and mental health outcomes. Individuals with strong social connections and support networks tend to have lower levels of stress and anxiety, which can lead to improved overall health.
- Enhanced Social Inclusion: Promoting social wellbeing helps individuals feel more connected and included in their communities. This can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common issues in social care settings.
- Holistic Care: Addressing wellbeing ensures that care is holistic, considering not just the physical needs of individuals but also their emotional and social needs. This comprehensive approach can lead to a higher quality of life for those receiving care.
Read below for advice and guidance to help you to maintain and improve people’s wellbeing.
For Everyone
For You
Adult Disability
Nutrition Support
Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS)
Nutrition support for those who you are caring for
HILS have provided lots of nutrition support for people. Their information includes eating well with Dementia, food allergies, and problems with swallowing and chewing. Click the link to see these resources:
Watford MENCAP
For those supporting someone with a learning disability Watford Mencap are still offering their services to the people they support. Their opening hours have increased from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on weekends. Their geographic coverage has increased so that they can help throughout the whole of Hertfordshire. Their advice team is open 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on weekends. They can help with a variety of topics including applying and resolving benefit enquiries, housing problems, and signposting you to information and help. » Click here for more information Watford MencapHertsHelp
For any resident of Hertfordshire.
HertsHelp are there to listen and help you find independent support, guidance and information to get the most out of life.
They can help Hertfordshire residents with the following:
- Care and Carers
- Living Healthier
- Struggling to cope
- Transport, bus passes and blue badge
- Home service and equipment
- Cost of living
Telephone: 0300 123 4044
Email: info@hertshelp.net
Text: hertshelp to 60060
https://www.hertshelp.net/contact-hertshelp-easyread.aspx if you are not sure what help you need.
NHS 111 Crisis mental health support
For anyone.
Millions of patients experiencing a mental health crisis can now benefit form support through 111 the NHS announced on the 24th of August 2024.
This means that NHS England is one of the first countries in the world to offer access to a 24/7 full package of mental health crisis support through one single phone line.
People of all ages, including children, who are in crisis or concerned family and loved ones can now call 111, select the mental health option (2) and speak to a trained mental health professional.
NHS staff can guide callers with next steps such organising face-to-face community support or facilitating access to alternatives services, such as crisis cafés or safe havens which provide a place for people to stay as an alternative to A&E or a hospital admission.
Carers in Hertfordshire Support for Young Carers
Carers in Herts give support, information and guidance to unpaid carers.
You are a carer if you look after a family member, friend or neighbour who without your support would not be able to manage. They may have a physical or learning disability, dementia, mental health problems, may misuse drugs or alcohol or may be ill or frail.
Anyone can become a carer: Carers come from all walks of life, all cultures and can be of any age.
The person may live with you or elsewhere, may be an adult or a child but if they rely on you for support, then you are a carer.
About our support, information and advice
We provide the space for you to discuss practical and emotional concerns around caring and opportunities to share experiences with others.
We can provide the information you need to make choices about your life and caring role and ways to have your voice heard by the people who plan services that affect your life.
We offer a range of free workshops and training related to caring, but also courses and learning events to help with your life outside caring through our Carers and Learning project. We can also help you access funded breaks.
Our Carer Support Advisors are also available to help you find out about more specific services to support you in your caring role if you wish to get in touch.
Providing that you live, work, care or are registered with a GP in Hertfordshire, you can access all of these services for free.
Click here to https://www.carersinherts.org.uk/register-or-refer/ Once registered, you will receive a free carer’s information pack, regular updates about events, and our biannual newsletter Carewaves.
Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) provides access to primary care psychological therapy services in Hertfordshire and Mid Essex through a wide range of confidential talking therapy treatments and employment support for adults with common mental health problems. The services are part of the national NHS Talking Therapies, for anxiety and depression programme.
Website: https://www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk/
To make a referral: https://www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk/referral
To book onto a range of Webinars go to: https://www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk/resources-and-self-help/webinars
Hertfordshire Healthy Hubs
For any resident of Hertfordshire
Healthy hubs are a great place to get advice and support on your overall health.
Find out how to:
- Manage your weight
- Give up smoking
- Look after your mental health
- Cut down on your drinking
- Become more active
- Get healthy eating advice
- Reduce drug use and dependency
- Join community groups and activities
- SUccess the Citizens Advice Service
- Get support as a carer
- Find out about health events.
» Visit the Healthy hub’s website to find your nearest healthy hub in Hertfordshire
Age UK Hertfordshire
For any older resident of Hertfordshire.
Support older people by delivering services that help make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience
As an organisation that is all about people, the way Age UK Hertfordshire tackles this mission is critical and will be based on four key organisational values and a clear approach to the way the organisation approaches day to day work and challenges.
Age UK Hertfordshire’s Strategic Objectives for 2021-2025 are:
- To deliver free services to support older people
- To take a proactive approach to the use of volunteers
- To deliver paid for services to support older people’s independence, choice and control
- To generate additional income by delivering low input, high potential output activities such as obtaining legacies and maintaining awareness (primarily online) of Age UK Hertfordshire’s activities
- To ensure the effective strategic and financial management of Age UK Hertfordshire
Age UK Hertfordshire has many services designed to help people to remain independent in their own home. They can provide you with experienced and Quality Assured information and advice free of charge with decisions about whether you need a Lasting power of Attorney and the options available to you for obtaining one. They also offer home visits to help people use a tablet to get online. This service is free of charge, and they can do more than one visit.
Age UK Hertfordshire are also there to support people living with dementia by providing Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST).
Check out their website to find Age UK Hertfordshire’s Guide to Later Life and to see their Hertfordshire Care Services Directory.
Website address https://www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire/
Telephone: 0300 345 3446
From the list below choose which on of their teams you wish to speak to:
Active Aging lunch clubs: 07964 827 016
Befriending (Visiting Scheme and Telephone Club) 07525 070 472
Dementia Day Centre: 01923 774 328
Handyperson & Gardening Service: 07903 429 743
Help in the Home (Cleaning Service): South and West Herts – 01923 224 472
North and East Herts – 01707 386 066
Hertswise Dementia Support: 0300 123 4044
Hospital & Community Navigation Service (Support after a hospital stay): 0300 123 4044
Information and Advice (Help with benefits, housing, IT Training and more) 0300 345 3446
Nutrition and Dietetics (Help with nutrition in later life) 01727 732 011
Samaritans North Herts and Stevenage
You can get in touch about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels.
We’re here to listen, no judgement, no pressure, and help you work through what’s on your mind. We’ll never tell you what to do.
If you need advice or specialist support for a specific issue, such as a bereavement or domestic abuse, we’ve put together Helpful contact list that you may find useful.
Telephone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Find a branch at: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/
Hertfordshire Mind Network
We work across Hertfordshire to support positive mental health and wellbeing. We provide a diverse range of services from our eight Wellbeing Centres and other venues across the county. Funded locally, our services are available to all residents in Hertfordshire aged 18+
Our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.
Email info@hertfordshiremind.org
Telephone: 020 3727 3600