Suffolk residents and staff at Suffolk County Council and local businesses are being asked to consider what they can do to support their own mental health and wellbeing as the council launches its ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ campaign.

 

The Five Ways to Wellbeing is an evidence-based framework that supports positive mental health and emotional wellbeing. Similar to the five-a-day fruit and veg message, the framework proposes the following elements, which evidence suggests can make a positive impact to an individual’s health:

·         Connect with others

·         Be active

·         Keep learning

·         Take notice

·         Give

 

The launch event, held on Monday 26 February, invited discussion around five ways to wellbeing, with input from staff networks, OneLife Suffolk and other parties, including workshops from Suffolk Mind and an introduction to mindfulness.

 

Cllr Tony Goldson, Cabinet Member for Health said: “Mental ill health is one of the primary causes of sickness absence to Suffolk organisations in every sector. This is why it is so important for people to make time to consider their mental wellbeing.

 

“The five ways to wellbeing encourages people to think about how they make time for their own wellbeing. This can be as simple as trying something new, conversing with people around you or keeping active through regular exercise. These simple steps can be crucial to preventing mental ill health in the longer term.”

 

The event was sponsored by East of England Co-op, who supplied fruit and vegetables to staff on arrival. Emma Goodridge-Hobson Business Development Officer for Specialist Services at East of England Co-op said: “Eating healthily and getting your five-a-day is an important part of keeping well. We’re really pleased we are able to support Suffolk County Council with this initiative by providing a selection of fresh fruit for their team to enjoy while they learn about how to improve their wellbeing.”

 

For more information, visit www.healthysuffolk.org.uk