Take 5 steps to wellbeing
Ideas to help you Take5 steps to wellbeing

Connect
Connect with the people around you. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.

Be Active
Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity that you enjoy.

Take Notice
Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate things.

Keep Learning
Don’t be afraid to try something new, rediscover an old hobby or sign up for a course.

Give
Do something nice for a friend or stranger, thank someone, smile, volunteer or consider joining a community group.
Find ways to Take 5!
Take 5 steps to wellbeing, researched and developed by the New Economics Foundation, are 5 simple steps to maintain and improve your wellbeing. The internet is full of ideas and suggestions. To get you started we’ve created a quick list of different things you can try for each step which we will keep adding to, so check back every month to see what news ways you can add the five steps into your daily routine.
And remember, our list isn’t exhaustive – there’s so many ways out there to Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give – go ahead and look for the right ones for you.
Be Active
It might be as simple as going for a walk or phoning a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, or it could be more adventurous, like considering doing some volunteer work. We have compiled a list of websites below that can inspire you with suggestions to get you started.
The Body Coach (Joe Wicks)
Free online exercise sessions (inc PE with Joe)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAxW1XT0iEJo0TYlRfn6rYQ

Yoga with Adrienne
Free online yoga for all levels of ability
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKE7WVJfvaHW5q283SxchA












































Tai Chi with Don Fiore
Tai Chi for Seniors and Beginners
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE2GDbMQ6srPU_EOw8RvjWQ






















Cosmic Kids Yoga
Yoga designed for all the family to do together
https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga






















Apps 4 Healthcare NI
Searchable database for apps designed to meet healthcare needs including physical and mental fitness
https://apps4healthcareni.hscni.net/






















British Gymnastics Foundation
Seated activity programme aimed at older people or those with limited mobility. Dementia friendly
https://britishgymnasticsfoundation.org/take-part-love-move-online/






















Women in Sport and Physical Activity NI
Free online exercies, yoga and pilates session
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCiCG8HfDvDuP2DiVlHgonw






















Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon City Council Get Active Programme
Free online exercies, yoga and pilates session
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-CDnFgWhceUVp_HwOsXDuA






















Dance Class with Oti
Strictly Come Dancing's Oti Mabuse does simple dance tutorials for all the family
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC58aowNEXHHnflR_5YTtP4g






















Yoga and Meditation with Marella Fyffe
A range of yoga, meditation, tai chi and relaxation routines
https://www.youtube.com/user/mfyffe1






















Move with Mary
Age NI have teamed up with Lady Mary Peters to launch an exercise programme aimed specifically at keeping older people moving during the extended Covid-19 lockdown.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/information-advice/coronavirus-covid-19/movewithmary/






















Playboard NI
PlayBoard NI is an independent charity and the lead organisation for the development and promotion of children and young people's play in Northern Ireland. Find a range of videos and resources to support children and young people's play.
https://www.playboard.org/






















ESC Films - Bringing the outside in
ESC Films have created a series of short movement sessions and relaxation practices to help older people look after themselves both physically and emotionally.
https://esc-film.com/bringing-the-outside-in/






















COVID-19: enjoy a healthy and inspiring visit to our outdoors
With the gradual lifting of many COVID-19 restrictions, there are many more opportunities to enjoy our nature, landscapes and coasts with our families, friends and groups.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/covid-19-enjoy-healthy-and-inspiring-visit-our-outdoors






















MyNI
At MyNI we are putting your needs first and identifying which public services in Northern Ireland can help make your lives better.
https://www.myni.life/






















Discover Northern Ireland
Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
https://discovernorthernireland.com/






















The Conservation Volunteers
The Conservation Volunteers works to give everyone access to a good quality natural environment where biodiversity is enhanced. Volunteering opportunities are available in Northern Ireland.
https://www.tcv.org.uk/northernireland






















The Great Family Staycation Guide 2021
Explore hundreds of great family days out near you! From zoo trips to castle visits, great beach walks to the best hikes, The Great Family Staycation Guide 2021 is here to support as you navigate this year's UK summer holidays.
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/the-great-family-staycation-guide-2021






















Walk NI
A definitive guide to coastal, parkland, urban, riverside and forest trails and routes throughout Northern Ireland
https://walkni.com/






















Move More Live More
Move More Live More is a one-stop spot to help older people to find online exercise programmes, suitable to do safely at home. Working in partnership with the Public Health Agency, Age NI and a panel of older people have road-tested and rated online physical activity programmes specifically aimed at meeting the needs of older people.
https://www.ageni.org/movemorelivemore






















Take Notice
Giving yourself some time every day to take notice of the present – what is happening in the moment to yourself and the world around you. This helps to sharpen awareness and make more positive choices about life and how you approach situations.
RSPB
Information on what you can see in nature week by week
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/natures-calendar-home/































The British Museum
Showcases the objects on display from across the world and throughout the ages
https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/































The Wildlife Trust
Information and activities to enjoy wildlife and nature around us
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/






























































Mauritshuis Virtual Tour
Take a virtual tour of the Mauritshuis
https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/discover/mauritshuis-thuis/3d-tour-mauritshuis/































Louvre Museum Online Tours
Virtual tours of the Louvre Museum
https://www.louvre.fr/en/online-tours#virtual-tours































Explore Livecams
Explore.org is the world's leading live nature cam network and documentary film channel.
https://explore.org/livecams































Edinburgh Zoo
Livecams allow you to watch livestreams of some of the zoo's most popular animals
https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/































Dublin Zoo
Livecams allow you to watch livestreams of some of the zoo's most popular animals
https://www.dublinzoo.ie/






























































National Portrait Gallery
Hold Still: Portrait of a Nation - photography competition of life during Covid 19 pandemic plus virutal exhibitions
https://www.npg.org.uk/hold-still/































Google 3D Animal View
Learn more about animals with the Google feature that shows 3D images
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDvviptz3XY































ESC Films - Bringing the outside in
ESC Films have created a series of short movement sessions and relaxation practices to help older people look after themselves both physically and emotionally.
https://esc-film.com/bringing-the-outside-in/































COVID-19: enjoy a healthy and inspiring visit to our outdoors
With the gradual lifting of many COVID-19 restrictions, there are many more opportunities to enjoy our nature, landscapes and coasts with our families, friends and groups.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/covid-19-enjoy-healthy-and-inspiring-visit-our-outdoors































MyNI
At MyNI we are putting your needs first and identifying which public services in Northern Ireland can help make your lives better.
https://www.myni.life/































Discover Northern Ireland
Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
https://discovernorthernireland.com/































Scamwise NI Partnership
Make sure you are on your guard against scams currently taking place across Northern Ireland during the coronavirus (COVID-19).
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/scamwiseni































Sounds of the Forest
Timber Festival are collecting the sounds of woodlands and forests from all around the world, creating a growing soundmap bringing together aural tones and textures from the world's woodlands.
https://timberfestival.org.uk/soundsoftheforest-soundmap/































Little Inspirations Podcast - Apple
Little Inspirations is a new podcast hosted by journalist and screenwriter Declan Lawn. Throughout the series, he talks with guests about the things in our lives - some little, some big - that help to get us through difficult times, the things that inspire us. Little Inspirations is a new podcast from Inspire Wellbeing.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/little-inspirations/id1551194931































Little Inspirations Podcast - Spotify
Little Inspirations is a new podcast hosted by journalist and screenwriter Declan Lawn. Throughout the series, he talks with guests about the things in our lives - some little, some big - that help to get us through difficult times, the things that inspire us. Little Inspirations is a new podcast from Inspire Wellbeing.
https://open.spotify.com/show/4fKgmmqhcFbPTblN4IuOT6?si=7JNMFm1uQia5WIrUlg15pQ































National Museums NI
National Museums NI are Northern Ireland's premier cultural, learning, and tourist destinations. The four museums are home to 1.4 million objects in the national collection.
https://www.nmni.com































Street Art in Belfast
Delve into Belfast's vibrant street art scene on a self-guided walking tour. Check out this round-up of some of the city's top works in this street art map and guide.
https://visitbelfast.com/article/virtual-street-art-tour/































The MAC
The MAC arts hub in Belfast has re-opened to the public and will stage three new free exhibitions over the summer.
https://themaclive.com/exhibition/mac-gallery-booking1































The Great Family Staycation Guide 2021
Explore hundreds of great family days out near you! From zoo trips to castle visits, great beach walks to the best hikes, The Great Family Staycation Guide 2021 is here to support as you navigate this year's UK summer holidays.
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/the-great-family-staycation-guide-2021































Walk NI
A definitive guide to coastal, parkland, urban, riverside and forest trails and routes throughout Northern Ireland
https://walkni.com/































Enniskillen Castle
Explore Fermanagh's unique stories within the picturesque setting of Enniskillen Castle beside the River Erne.
https://www.enniskillencastle.co.uk/whats-on































Ulster American Folk Park exhibition: Memento Mori
Memento Mori is a beautiful new famine memorial and glass installation dedicated to the 19th-century Great Irish Famine, created by Seattle-based Irish glass artist Paula Stokes.
https://www.nmni.com/whats-on/memento-mori































Ulster Museum exhibitions
The Ulster Museum is the home of Northern Ireland's treasures - past and present. Its rich collections of art, history and natural sciences take us on a journey across the globe and to the far reaches of space. The museum has re-opened and there are a number of fascinating exhibitions ongoing.
https://bit.ly/3AjL9G3































Winter Solstice - Mindfulness and Recovery at Navan Centre and Fort
Applaud the arrival of the Winter Solstice with a wonderful celebration to embrace the forthcoming year. As part of this Ancient Celtic Ritual, welcome the arrival of the new light, through mindfulness and meditation, this is the perfect time to reflect, recover and look forward to new beginnings. The event takes place on 20th and 21st December.
https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/winter-solstice-mindfulness-and-recovery-at-navan-centre-and-fort-p766011































The People's Kitchen
The People's Kitchen in Belfast provides homeless outreach, hot food and drinks, food parcels and a connection hub at Writer’s Square every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm and 9pm. They are happy to hear from you about volunteering and donation opportunities.
https://peopleskitchenbelfast.org/contact/































Keep Learning
Taking opportunities to keep learning throughout our lives is known to boost self-esteem. It also helps us to make more social interactions, set goals and keep active. This does not have to mean educational learning necessarily, there are lots of way we can continue to learn new things.
The Skills Toolkit
Free courses, tools and resources to enhance digital and numeracy skills
https://theskillstoolkit.campaign.gov.uk/





































Open University
Links to free online learning courses
http://www.open.ac.uk/northern-ireland/northern-ireland





































National Careers Service (UK)
Links to free online learning courses
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course/where-to-find-free-online-learning





































NI Careers Service
Database of links to online learning linked to employment
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/online-training-support





































BBC
Collection of videos and downloadable worksheets for adults to improve reading, writing and numeracy
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/skillswise





































Open Culture
Database of links to cultural and educational media including free language learning websites, films and books.
http://www.openculture.com/















































































































TED Talks
TED Talks are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech and creativity, with subtitles in 100+ languages.
https://www.ted.com/talks





































CDHN A-Z of Covid 19 terminology
Covid 19 Terminology Explained - An A-Z guide
https://www.cdhn.org/covid-19-z





































Dealing with Worry in Difficult Times
Youtube video of booklet information regarding worry and tips to deal with overwhelming worry. Ed Sipler for SE Trust, shared through Ascert.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIYhhhqf9Gc





































Bend Don't Break
Workbook aimed at developing mental resilience. Ed Sipler and Colette Reynolds, originally for the SE Trust
https://www.northerntrust.hscni.net/site/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Bend-Dont-Break-2017booklet-1.pdf





































Youth Online - Education Authority
Activities for children and young people developed by the Education Authority
https://www.youthonline.org.uk/stay-engaged/





































SERC
Online education courses, including some fully funded
https://www.serc.ac.uk/Online-Support-for-Industry





































Apps 4 Healthcare NI
Searchable database for apps designed to meet healthcare needs including brain training.
https://apps4healthcareni.hscni.net/















































































































Virtual College
Free online courses in subjects like Health and Wellbeing and Safeguarding Children
https://www.virtual-college.co.uk/resources/free-courses





































Age UK - Digital Age Project
Support for learners and those helping others with their digital literacy - including using IT to connect with others
http://digital-age.org.uk/





































Draw With Don
Artist Don Conroy does step by step drawing tutorials
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo4dO9D4okn25M6mvfB02rQ





































Playboard NI
PlayBoard NI is an independent charity and the lead organisation for the development and promotion of children and young people's play in Northern Ireland. Find a range of videos and resources to support children and young people's play.
https://www.playboard.org/










































































RNIB Talking Books
Free Talking Books and Braille services for visually impaired people
https://www.rnib.org.uk/books





































Cancer Focus NI
Free online courses on smokinig cessation and cancer awareness and prevention
https://training.cancerfocusni.org/










































































The British Psychological Society
Coronavirus resources for the public
https://www.bps.org.uk/coronavirus-resources/public





































Advice NI
Independent Advice Network providing advice on a range of matters including benefits, housing, debt, consumer and employment.
https://www.adviceni.net/training





































Belfast Works Training
All of Belfast Works training (which is currently delivered online) is available and regularly updated at this link. Clients generally have to be living in Belfast and working less than 16 hours per week to be eligible.
https://www.ashtoncentre.com/training-available/





































Free online Elevate training
Community Development and Health Network are delighted to offer free online Elevate training on using community development approaches to reduce health inequalities.
https://elevateni.org/training/training-dates/





































Enniskillen Castle
Explore Fermanagh's unique stories within the picturesque setting of Enniskillen Castle beside the River Erne.
https://www.enniskillencastle.co.uk/whats-on





































Ulster American Folk Park exhibition: Memento Mori
Memento Mori is a beautiful new famine memorial and glass installation dedicated to the 19th-century Great Irish Famine, created by Seattle-based Irish glass artist Paula Stokes.
https://www.nmni.com/whats-on/memento-mori





































Ulster Museum exhibitions
The Ulster Museum is the home of Northern Ireland's treasures - past and present. Its rich collections of art, history and natural sciences take us on a journey across the globe and to the far reaches of space. The museum has re-opened and there are a number of fascinating exhibitions ongoing.
https://bit.ly/3AjL9G3





































Barnardo's Child Bereavement Service Training
Free organisational training on how to support children and young people and their families who have been bereaved. The training can also include how to support children and young people after a suicide or other complex bereavement. For more information, contact clare.boyd@barnardos.org.uk





































Supporting Children's Mental Health
Together Twinkl and Inspire have teamed up to raise awareness and provide you with the tools and knowledge to support young people living with mental health difficulties.
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/supporting-childrens-mental-health





































Recovery Together
Do you live in Strabane, Foyle or West Donegal, Belfast, Louth, Armagh or Newry? Want to learn new skills? Then you have came to the right place. Together, we can empower and support you on your mental health recovery by providing courses on a range of topics online via zoom.
https://www.inspirewellbeing.org/get-involved/recovery-together





































Relate NI Tik Tok
Listen to some advice on how you can approach difficult subjects like Climate Breakdown and the Invasion of Ukraine with young people.
http://communitywellbeing.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/TikTok.mp4





































Give
Opportunities to give to others has been widely associated to positive feelings of wellbeing in ourselves. This may mean being active in community life by helping others; it can also mean simple acts of kindness to others – doing good for others reinforces our own self-esteem.
Volunteer Now
Volunteer Now is the lead organisation for promoting and supporting volunteering across Northern Ireland.
https://www.volunteernow.co.uk/












Mental Health Foundation
Kindness Matters Guide - A resource offering information and practical suggestions about kindness
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week/kindness-matters-guide












Change Your Mind
Information about the Strength of Kindness
https://www.changeyourmindni.org/our-campaigns/strength-in-kindness












Volunteering - It's good for body and soul
In today's world people who are more active, feel valued, have a network of friends and are happy to participate in meaningful activities. Getting involved in volunteering can offer these benefits and more.
http://communitywellbeing.info/news/volunteer












Trussell Trust
Information on Local Food banks
https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/












Irish Men's Shed Association
Men's Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. Take a look at this database of locations across Ireland.
https://menssheds.ie/shed_county/all-provinces/












Social Farms & Gardens
Volunteer for social farming and gardening opportunities in Northern Ireland.
https://www.farmgarden.org.uk/your-area/northern-ireland












The Conservation Volunteers
The Conservation Volunteers works to give everyone access to a good quality natural environment where biodiversity is enhanced. Volunteering opportunities are available in Northern Ireland.
https://www.tcv.org.uk/northernireland












Barnardo's Child Bereavement Service Training
Free organisational training on how to support children and young people and their families who have been bereaved. The training can also include how to support children and young people after a suicide or other complex bereavement. For more information, contact clare.boyd@barnardos.org.uk












The Sundown Sessions
Musician Edelle McMahon leads singalong sessions for people living with dementia, in the community, care homes and day centres. She livestreams her 'Sundown Sessions' every Monday and Thursday, at 7pm.
https://bit.ly/3s1mjrQ












The People's Kitchen
The People's Kitchen in Belfast provides homeless outreach, hot food and drinks, food parcels and a connection hub at Writer’s Square every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm and 9pm. They are happy to hear from you about volunteering and donation opportunities.
https://peopleskitchenbelfast.org/contact/












Connect
Being able to connect to others is often seen as a basic human need – social interaction, receiving support and giving support to others are an important part of building self worth and feeling valued. These connections can be invaluable in maintaining positive wellbeing.
Aware NI
Our peer-led online support groups are for anyone over 18 with an experience of depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
https://aware-ni.org/onlinesupportgroups























Youth Online - Education Authority
contact with Education Authority youth workers for children and young people
https://www.youthonline.org.uk/stay-connected/























MIND online support community
An online support community managed and moderated by Mind Mental Health Charity
https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/























Across the Hedgerow - Rural Support NI
A telephone service offering listening support and companionship. A partnership between Rural Suuport Network and the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster YFCU
https://www.ruralsupport.org.uk/across-the-hedgerow-launch/














































Cruse Bereavement Care
Telephone bereavement support for people
https://www.cruse.org.uk/coronavirus/cruse-services














































BT and ITV
Short videos and webinars explaining how to use technology to stay connected
https://www.bt.com/tech-tips























The British Psychological Society - Using Technology to Say Goodbye
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfM6Wc5UZSw























Onside Project from Disability Action
ONSIDE's aim is to create online community connections for disabled people by equipping and upskilling participants.
https://www.disabilityaction.org/pages/category/onside-project























Helpline for young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities who have been affect by Covid 19
Barnardo's helpline for young people from BAME backgrounds who have been affected by Covid 19
https://helpline.barnardos.org.uk/























The British Psychological Society
Coronavirus resources for the public
https://www.bps.org.uk/coronavirus-resources/public























Irish Men's Shed Association
Men's Sheds are community spaces for men to connect, converse and create. Take a look at this database of locations across Ireland.
https://menssheds.ie/shed_county/all-provinces/























Social Farms & Gardens
Volunteer for social farming and gardening opportunities in Northern Ireland.
https://www.farmgarden.org.uk/your-area/northern-ireland























The Conservation Volunteers
The Conservation Volunteers works to give everyone access to a good quality natural environment where biodiversity is enhanced. Volunteering opportunities are available in Northern Ireland.
https://www.tcv.org.uk/northernireland























Belfast Works Training
All of Belfast Works training (which is currently delivered online) is available and regularly updated at this link. Clients generally have to be living in Belfast and working less than 16 hours per week to be eligible.
https://www.ashtoncentre.com/training-available/























Barnardo's Child Bereavement Service Training
Free organisational training on how to support children and young people and their families who have been bereaved. The training can also include how to support children and young people after a suicide or other complex bereavement. For more information, contact clare.boyd@barnardos.org.uk























The Sundown Sessions
Musician Edelle McMahon leads singalong sessions for people living with dementia, in the community, care homes and day centres. She livestreams her 'Sundown Sessions' every Monday and Thursday, at 7pm.
https://bit.ly/3s1mjrQ























Supporting Children's Mental Health
Together Twinkl and Inspire have teamed up to raise awareness and provide you with the tools and knowledge to support young people living with mental health difficulties.
https://www.twinkl.co.uk/blog/supporting-childrens-mental-health























Winter Solstice - Mindfulness and Recovery at Navan Centre and Fort
Applaud the arrival of the Winter Solstice with a wonderful celebration to embrace the forthcoming year. As part of this Ancient Celtic Ritual, welcome the arrival of the new light, through mindfulness and meditation, this is the perfect time to reflect, recover and look forward to new beginnings. The event takes place on 20th and 21st December.
https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/winter-solstice-mindfulness-and-recovery-at-navan-centre-and-fort-p766011























The People's Kitchen
The People's Kitchen in Belfast provides homeless outreach, hot food and drinks, food parcels and a connection hub at Writer’s Square every Friday and Saturday night from 7pm and 9pm. They are happy to hear from you about volunteering and donation opportunities.
https://peopleskitchenbelfast.org/contact/























Relate NI Tik Tok
Listen to some advice on how you can approach difficult subjects like Climate Breakdown and the Invasion of Ukraine with young people.
http://communitywellbeing.info/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/TikTok.mp4






















