World Mental Health Day 2022 was this week.. After following last year’s theme of ‘Isolation’ this year the mental health foundation has announced the theme for this year is ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’
Life almost seems like it has gone back to normal but for some the aftermath of Covid has left individuals and groups vulnerable and lonely. Whether this has stemmed from loved ones passing or vital relationships that have been lost over the pandemic, it can leave people with nowhere to turn to. We can relate and, with social media being prevalent and a powerful tool in today’s society, it can only take a post or a link to a counsellors page or a local social group, that may help pull someone out of a dark space.
Here are links to projects and activities in your local area which can help you re-build personal relationships and connections. We have identified 3 ways:
Connecting to nature
Spending time outside and in the fresh air is great for your mental and physical wellbeing, but sometimes we find ourselves sticking to the same routine or area that is familiar to us. We at Relate Cross Pennine know that sticking to a comfort zone is easier than experiencing something new. However, changing a pattern, such as finding a new park or nature spot might help you connect with nature whilst appreciating a new environment within the community. Trip advisor is a world’s largest travel platform, which helps over 463 million travellers a month. From local and faraway places in and out of your areas, put your location in and find a nearby park or nature reserve that you may have never known about. There is also a way to rate locations and leave comments or how your trip or visit in the area was, this can help you narrow down places to go through other people’s recommendations. Check out your area today and find somewhere new to take your dog or go out for a leisurely stroll.
Connecting with Nature is not just about being outside, it’s about getting involved and learning about what’s going on with climate change and our earth. Staying in touch with environmental news is important and getting involved in campaigning is one way to help spread the word on topics such as global warming. ‘Calderdale friends of the earth’ are a local environmental group based in Halifax, who’s aim is ‘to provide a single online space for a wide range of environmental and sustainability activities, a web resource for those organisations or environmental causes without their own sites; and to connect together people and opportunities.’ In the last ten years they have been urging the council to increase the rate of recycling and it has rose from 10% to 60% throughout that time,
making them the best in the Yorkshire region. This organisation is perfect for individuals that have a passion for nature and changing the environment for the future generations to come. They meet every month on the 3rd Wednesday which is a good activity to add in monthly if you are a busy individual and are unable to attend activities on a weekly basis.
For families it may be an impossible task to get the children actively engaged when taking them on a walk out the house. Manor Health Park and Jungle Experience is a must visit, with a park open year-round facilitating attractions from an outside water play area, to butterfly and woodland themed walks, you can be sure you children will be entertained. Throughout the year the countryside team also run nature related workshops for younger and older participants, to include the whole family together. Worksheets area attached to the website so your youngster’s can get involved and identify local flowers and woodland creatures that may be around you. With green flag award and a Gold Award winning status, why not visit today and embrace the love of nature together for the perfect walk out.
Activity and hobby days
Loneliness can hit harder as we grow up and we at Relate Cross Pennine understand that it may seem harder to make plans or friends when you don’t know where to look. ‘Calderdale Forum’ gives support and care for the age group of fifty and older and with their in-touch directory of over fifty friendly hobby and special interests groups there is a chance to connect with people who have similar lifestyles to you. Ranging from heritage walks to the singing, painting and railway clubs, there is something for everyone. With an A-Z listing of all clubs and hobbies, you can find something in your local area to get stuck into, a chance to make social connections and discover a love for something new.
For the history buffs and architecture lovers, stately homes and halls are a great place to visit to connect with history. Shibden hall outside Halifax dates to 1420 and offers visitors a chance to go back in time and experience the lives of the people who lived and worked there. Along with the hall which as been restored in recent years, stately gardens, walking trails and even a miniature railway has been built to give visitors a day out they will never forget. They have events that run throughout the year, with an upcoming spooky dark wood walk for Halloween for both young and older adults. This place is perfect for people with and without children, as an individual, couples or students, there is something for everybody. With infants and student tickets also discounted, you do not have to worry about the cost. Down below you with found more information or their next admission dates and prices of tickets.
Days out can be expensive and travelling might not be an option. When the area is familiar it makes it even harder to find something when you might think there isn’t anything to do. For families inHalifax, look no further with the ‘Halifax Treasure Hunt’ a chance to venture around a side of the city you may not know. With this adventure quest to partake in, you and your children follow clues in and around locations, whilst learning new and interesting facts about the places right on your doorstep. On top of that all answers are put into a monthly prize draw, where you may have a chance of winning £100! There is no need to spend a fortune with this budget friendly activity, one to include all the family in who are ready for an exciting quest.
Volunteering
It makes a big difference when you help others. It can be rewarding, knowing that your work is helping a further cause or development in your area and that’s why applying to be Volunteer can be a great experience. We hear a lot about volunteering but less about where to find out where to apply for it, when in reality most of the groups are local and in your back garden. ‘Get volunteering’ is a local site providing a search for local volunteering opportunities for all ages and social backgrounds. With the option to select your hobbies and interests it narrows down specific jobs that suit you as an individual in hopes of connecting you to the best job role. For the people that wish to only travel so far or may not have access to transport or a car, you have the option to narrow down your distance between your area and the job location. Use the search today, to find your next opportunity.
Getting a job as a teen can be hard when you do not have qualifications or have little to no job experience. Volunteering is the perfect step up the ladder in getting you into the public sector through your community, a chance to gain experience and connections. For young adults there’s a chance you may be put on placement for school, however that isn’t always the case so where can you turn to for a chance at volunteering in your local area. The Calderdale council website uploads new and recent job adverts for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, from community, to business and environmental there’s endless possibilities. You don’t need to worry about lack of skills or knowledge, volunteering gives you the chance to improve and work on yourself as a member of society within your community. There are so many positives to helping in your local area and it may come as a benefit to your future education down the line, with employer’s more likely to hire
individuals that are active in the public sector. Linked down below is the roles listed, go on have a look at what peeks your interest.
When volunteering comes to mind, we think or charity shops, helping outside in local gardens or environmental areas, but people forget most of the historical sites you visit on days out are funded and cared for by volunteers. ‘Piece Hall’ Yorkshires most important secular building dates to 1779 when it was built as a trading cloth hall, many have walked through its historical walls. However, with it being a heritage site it relies fully on the local community and the active members of the community, which gives people a chance to volunteer in various roles around the beautiful site. From tour guides, gallery assistants to event volunteers, this place is great for history fanatics or people with a love for older builds. With a small from at the bottom of their website, you only have to fill a few details and apply a cv, reach out today for the chance to gain experience and work around a magnificent historical site.
If you find your relationships need more support or if you want to work on your own behaviours and concerns in the way you interact with others, contact us for more information. Relate Cross Pennine is a registered charity servicing relationship counselling, individual counselling, marriage counselling, children's and young people’s counselling, family counselling and sex therapy around the West Yorkshire and Lancashire area.
To find out more or to contact us today, you can find us here
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