Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing
Ideas to help you Take 5 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.
Scarva Summer Band Concerts
Visit the award-winning floral Scarva village and enjoy a varied programme of free summer band concerts adjacent to the Victorian-style band stand. Concerts in Scarva take place every Sunday from 7th April until 29th September, 3pm to 4pm. More information is available here:
https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/scarva-summer-band-concerts-p790461
Discover Northern Ireland
Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
https://discovernorthernireland.com/
Summer of Play at Castle Ward
Families can escape to Castle Ward National Trust this summer for its Summer of Play event. From 6 July to 26 August, everyone is welcome to embrace the spirit of play across the estate. This event is free but booking is recommended. Find out more here:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-ward/events/a94ad5b4-d30d-4420-9c88-01e82fa361d2
The Ireland Walking Guide
Ireland.com offers guidance, information and recommendation on walking and hiking in Ireland.
https://www.ireland.com/en-us/things-to-do/themes/walking/walking/
Apps 4 Healthcare NI
Searchable database for apps designed to meet healthcare needs including physical and mental fitness
https://apps4healthcareni.hscni.net/
Teddy Bear's Picnic
Castle Espie is hosting a Teddy Bear's Picnic in July and August. Families are encouraged to bring along their much-loved teddy bears or stuffed animal toys, a picnic blanket, some favourite picnic treats and enjoy an afternoon of nature-themed adventures. Full details are here:
https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie/whats-on/teddy-bears-picnic-3
Older and Active Group
Forward South Partnership facilitates a weekly older and active group in Belvoir Community Hub every Friday, from noon to 1pm. Please contact Marie McGarry on communityhealth@forwardsouth.org or 07394569154 for further information.
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/
Belfast Mela
Belfast Mela is a week-long celebration of culture, colour and creativity, which comprises a series of magical events and fabulous festival finale in Botanic Gardens. Belfast Mela is the city’s annual celebration of global cultures, when tens of thousands of visitors come together to celebrate diversity. This free festival runs from 19th August to 25th August. Check out full details here:
https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/belfast-mela-p802101
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
Discover Ireland walking guides
Discover Ireland offers guidance, information and recommendation on walking and hiking in Ireland.
https://www.discoverireland.ie/things-to-do/walking-and-hiking
Seamus Heaney Open Ground
Explore locations linking the landscape and the literature of Seamus Heaney. Venture out to Open Ground, a series of five locations which held great significance for Seamus Heaney. In each location, interpretation panels tell you about the places you’re visiting.
https://www.visitmidulster.com/things-to-do/arts-culture-and-heritage/seamus-heaney/seamus-heaney-open-ground
Walk NI
A definitive guide to coastal, parkland, urban, riverside and forest trails and routes throughout Northern Ireland
https://walkni.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
Mid Ulster Family Fun Days
Mid Ulster's Family Fun Days will run throughout the summer. These are an open park-style day and available activities include: Archery, Body Zorbs, Bouncy Castle, Bungee Trampoline, Climbing Wall, Fun Zorb, Llama Walking, Mini Quad Bikes, Paintball Target Shooting, Power Fan Drop, Quad Train, Pedal Boats & Rodeo Bull.
https://www.visitmidulster.com/whats-on/family-fun-days-p838561
Ravine Training and Work Experience
Ravine offers 20 completely free and tailored work experience placements per year to young people, aged 18- 24, facing mental health challenges. Ravine provides a supportive learning environment and a placement, developing employability skills whilst focusing on the horticultural and conservational efforts of our project. For more information, visit
https://www.ravine-ni.com/training
NI International Air Show
The NI International Air Show 2024, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, will welcome spectators to the seaside town of Portrush on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September for two days of aviation attractions and family fun. This event is free. Find out more here:
https://airshowni.com/
Newry, Mourne and Down family-friendly activities
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has published a list of family activities and events.
https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/blog/read/2021/03/budget-family-friendly-things-to-do-b196
Belfast Pride
Belfast Pride is the biggest event of the year for LGBTQIA+ people in Belfast and it’s back for 2024. Belfast Pride Festival is staging over 150 events across 10 days (19th July to 28th July). For more information, follow this link:
https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/belfast-pride-festival-p849431
DownTime Summerfest
This event brings Downpatrick to life with a two-day summer festival of arts, heritage, sport, food and music. The festival takes place on 28th and 29th June. More information is available here:
https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/downtime-summerfest-p793771
Move with Mary
Age NI have teamed up with Lady Mary Peters to launch an exercise programme aimed specifically at keeping older people moving.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/information-advice/coronavirus-covid-19/movewithmary/
Armagh Summer in the City
Summer in the City returns to Armagh this year with crafts, football, pom-pom cheerleading, cooking and dancing for kids, science, magic and music. These free weekly events run from 20th July to 7th September. For information is available here:
https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/armagh-summer-in-the-city-p851211
Paws for Nature at Castle Ward
Families and their pets are invited to Castle Ward Estate for a day filled with exciting doggy stalls, captivating demonstrations and informative training classes. These events are free and take place on 20th July and 21st July. Go here for more details:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-ward/events/117a9d66-3e92-400d-aa38-f5f185873134
Belfast Free Walking Tour
The free Belfast walking tour explores the history of the city and its people, visiting iconic landmarks. The tour will discuss Belfast's history, languages, culture, the 1798 rebellions, legends and folklore and much more.
https://visitbelfast.com/event/belfast-free-walking-tour/
Volunteer Ireland
There are lots of different ways to volunteer in Ireland. One of the most popular ways is with a local group or organisation. There are lots of organisations doing fantastic work in communities and they are looking for the support of volunteers. Check out all of the current opportunities near you now.
https://www.volunteer.ie/find-a-volunteer-role/
Giant Adventures series
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has announced its eagerly awaited Giant Adventures series — a year-long programme of unforgettable visitor experiences featuring captivating folklore, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling adventures.
https://www.newrymournedown.org/awe-inspiring-giant-adventures-return-to-newry-mourne-and-down
Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Markets
A series of markets have been arranged across North Antrim throughout the summer months by social enterprise Naturally North Coast and Glens. Full details of all market days are set out here:
https://www.naturallynorthcoastandglens.co.uk/
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
Summer Outdoor Play
Forward South Partnership will be hosting summer outdoor play in for children up to P7 (accompanied by an adult). The sessions will include arts, crafts, storytelling, games and dance. They will take place at the community green on Collingwood Avenue, Belfast, BT7 1QT on Wednesday 24th July to 21st August 10am-12pm. More information is available here:
https://forwardsouth.org/2024/07/02/outdoor-play-holyland/
Wee Adventures
Wee Adventures is a digest of family activities and events across Northern Ireland. Wee Adventures is also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/weeadventurers-100083259126509/
https://www.weeadventurers.com/services-9
Colin Glen Mindfulness Trail
Based on the principles of mindfulness and Japanese shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), the trail wanders off the beaten track, meandering along the wooded banks of the Colin river to immerse you fully in the sights, sounds and smells of nature. For more information, visit.
https://belfasthills.org/visiting/colinglen/
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.
Scamwise NI Partnership
Make sure you are on your guard against scams currently taking place across Northern Ireland.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/scamwiseni
The British Museum
Showcases the objects on display from across the world and throughout the ages
https://britishmuseum.withgoogle.com/
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
Natural History Museum of Ireland
Ireland’s Natural History Museum is located in Dublin. It houses a wide-ranging and comprehensive zoological collection of more than 10,000 exhibits. Visitors can explore Irish mammals, birds, fish and insects, as well as mammals from around the world. Admission is free.
https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Natural-History
National Museum of Country Life
This award-winning Museum Of Country Life in Mayo is home to the National Folklife Collection, which represents traditional life in Ireland throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Fascinating artefacts deal with domestic life, agriculture, fishing and hunting, clothing and textiles, furniture and fittings, trades and crafts, transport, sports and leisure, and religion.
https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Country-Life/Visitor-Information/About-The-Museum
Belfast Pride
Belfast Pride is the biggest event of the year for LGBTQIA+ people in Belfast and it’s back for 2024. Belfast Pride Festival is staging over 150 events across 10 days (19th July to 28th July). For more information, follow this link:
https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/belfast-pride-festival-p849431
Libraries NI events
Throughout the week, libraries across Northern Ireland play host to a number of free events, activities and courses, from IT skills classes to exhibitions, storytelling sessions for children and adult reading groups. Full details are available on the Libraries NI website.
https://www.librariesni.org.uk/events/
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
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
The National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History
Located on the site of a former barracks, the museum is home to two fascinating and completely diverse collections. Decorative arts encompasses silver, ceramics, glassware, furniture, clothing, jewellery and coins while the military history collection tells of Ireland’s military past. Admission is free.
https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Decorative-Arts-History/Visitor-Information/About-The-Museum
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/
Summer of Play at Castle Ward
Families can escape to Castle Ward National Trust this summer for its Summer of Play event. From 6 July to 26 August, everyone is welcome to embrace the spirit of play across the estate. This event is free but booking is recommended. Find out more here:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/castle-ward/events/a94ad5b4-d30d-4420-9c88-01e82fa361d2
Volunteer Ireland
There are lots of different ways to volunteer in Ireland. One of the most popular ways is with a local group or organisation. There are lots of organisations doing fantastic work in communities and they are looking for the support of volunteers. Check out all of the current opportunities near you now.
https://www.volunteer.ie/find-a-volunteer-role/
The Wildlife Trust
Information and activities to enjoy wildlife and nature around us
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/
Discover Northern Ireland
Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
https://discovernorthernireland.com/
Discover Ireland walking guides
Discover Ireland offers guidance, information and recommendation on walking and hiking in Ireland.
https://www.discoverireland.ie/things-to-do/walking-and-hiking
NI International Air Show
The NI International Air Show 2024, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, will welcome spectators to the seaside town of Portrush on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September for two days of aviation attractions and family fun. This event is free. Find out more here:
https://airshowni.com/
Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Markets
A series of markets have been arranged across North Antrim throughout the summer months by social enterprise Naturally North Coast and Glens. Full details of all market days are set out here:
https://www.naturallynorthcoastandglens.co.uk/
Belfast Mela
Belfast Mela is a week-long celebration of culture, colour and creativity, which comprises a series of magical events and fabulous festival finale in Botanic Gardens. Belfast Mela is the city’s annual celebration of global cultures, when tens of thousands of visitors come together to celebrate diversity. This free festival runs from 19th August to 25th August. Check out full details here:
https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/belfast-mela-p802101
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
Van Gogh
The Immersive Experience is a 360º digital art exhibition in Belfast that invites you to step into the universe of Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh. It is brought to Belfast by the organisers of a collection of widely successful exhibitions present in cities across Europe, Asia and the Americas.
https://vangoghexpo.com/belfast/#info
Newry, Mourne and Down family-friendly activities
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has published a list of family activities and events.
https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/blog/read/2021/03/budget-family-friendly-things-to-do-b196
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/
Wee Adventures
Wee Adventures is a digest of family activities and events across Northern Ireland. Wee Adventures is also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/weeadventurers-100083259126509/
https://www.weeadventurers.com/services-9
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/
Seamus Heaney Open Ground
Explore locations linking the landscape and the literature of Seamus Heaney. Venture out to Open Ground, a series of five locations which held great significance for Seamus Heaney. In each location, interpretation panels tell you about the places you’re visiting.
https://www.visitmidulster.com/things-to-do/arts-culture-and-heritage/seamus-heaney/seamus-heaney-open-ground
Belfast Free Walking Tour
The free Belfast walking tour explores the history of the city and its people, visiting iconic landmarks. The tour will discuss Belfast's history, languages, culture, the 1798 rebellions, legends and folklore and much more.
https://visitbelfast.com/event/belfast-free-walking-tour/
Explore Livecams
Explore.org is the world's leading live nature cam network and documentary film channel.
https://explore.org/livecams
Summer Outdoor Play
Forward South Partnership will be hosting summer outdoor play in for children up to P7 (accompanied by an adult). The sessions will include arts, crafts, storytelling, games and dance. They will take place at the community green on Collingwood Avenue, Belfast, BT7 1QT on Wednesday 24th July to 21st August 10am-12pm. More information is available here:
https://forwardsouth.org/2024/07/02/outdoor-play-holyland/
Armagh Summer in the City
Summer in the City returns to Armagh this year with crafts, football, pom-pom cheerleading, cooking and dancing for kids, science, magic and music. These free weekly events run from 20th July to 7th September. For information is available here:
https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/armagh-summer-in-the-city-p851211
Aspire - Support for Young Men
Community Restorative Justice’s Aspire programme provides a one-to-one service for young men aged 16-30 focuses on encouragement and guidance around issues like emotional wellbeing, addiction and mental health. For more information, please contact Orla Pickering on 0737 918 6929 or e-mail:
mailto:op@crjireland.org
Teddy Bear's Picnic
Castle Espie is hosting a Teddy Bear's Picnic in July and August. Families are encouraged to bring along their much-loved teddy bears or stuffed animal toys, a picnic blanket, some favourite picnic treats and enjoy an afternoon of nature-themed adventures. Full details are here:
https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/castle-espie/whats-on/teddy-bears-picnic-3
Walk NI
A definitive guide to coastal, parkland, urban, riverside and forest trails and routes throughout Northern Ireland
https://walkni.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/
Google 3D Animal View
Learn more about animals with the Google feature that shows 3D images
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDvviptz3XY
Colin Glen Mindfulness Trail
Based on the principles of mindfulness and Japanese shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), the trail wanders off the beaten track, meandering along the wooded banks of the Colin river to immerse you fully in the sights, sounds and smells of nature. For more information, visit
https://belfasthills.org/visiting/colinglen/