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.

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/

Walk NI

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

Christmas Tree Light Switch-On at Montalto Estate

This free event is the start of the festive season at Montalto Estate, which officially commences when the switch is flipped and the lights begin to sparkle. Enjoy Christmas carols from a local school and a special visit by Santa Claus. The switch-on takes place on 22nd November at 6pm. Full details here:
https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-tree-light-switch-on-p858171

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

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

Enchanted Winter Garden

As the winter sun sets over Lough Neagh, Antrim Castle Gardens comes alive with lights and magic for the perfect Christmas experience suitable for everyone. Visit the fairies in Wonderland Wood, drop in and see Santa and meet the sprites in Pixieland who will help fill you with the Christmas spirit. There will also be a Festive Fayre catered for all tastes with local food and drink to be enjoyed. 25th November – 19th December.
https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/enchanted-winter-garden-p809271

Apps 4 Healthcare NI

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

NHS

Exercise programmes, tips and examples
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/

Christmas Artisan Market at the Coleraine Rugby Football Cricket and Hockey Club

The market will feature crafts, gifts and food. It will take place on 19th November.
https://www.naturallynorthcoastandglens.co.uk/event-details/ballycastle-seafront-market-5

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/

Ravine - Free Wellbeing Walks

Free to all staff working within the NHS and VCSE sectors in Northern Ireland. Relax and unwind in nature with Ravine's Wellbeing Walks. Enjoy a short guided mindfulness and breathwork experience around our South Belfast Nature Reserve. To book yourself or your whole team in visit here:
https://www.ravine-ni.com/service-page/ravine-wellbeing-walk-free?referral=service_list_widget

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/

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

Christmas Lights Switch-Ons

The Wee Adventurers Facebook page is tracking these Christmas events across Northern Ireland.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0TayF1won2n6JrQjGDgHD2XZR6kvvkcXtHZ39f8WfnzRrHHMKmX9EL1qecP9FbDDSl&id=100083259126509

Diabetes information sessions at Bangor Live Well Hub

Diabetes UK is hosting information sessions on mental and physical health, diabetes awareness and nutritional support at the Bangor Live Well Hub. These will run from 10am until 11am on 12th September, 10th October, 14th November, 12th December, 9th January 2024 and 13th February 2024. For more information, contact:
mailto:NIvolunteering@Diabetes.org.uk

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

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

Newtownards Christmas Switch-On

Join the festive family fun and enjoy a seasonal atmosphere at the festive artisan market in Conway Square, 10am-7pm on 25th November.
https://www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/whats-on/newtownards-christmas-switch-on-p804611

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

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/

Cookstown Christmas Lights Switch-On

William Street comes alive with entertainment from Stewartstown Panto, Tullylagan Pipe Band and Double Whiskeys with all the Christmas favourites. There will then be a fantastic Showstoppers Parade to count down to the Lights Switch On by Santa, who'll arrive in style. 24th November 2023 at 6.30pm.
https://www.midulstercouncil.org/events-listing/events/cookstown-christmas

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/

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

Frock Around The Clock: The Magical Christmas Fair

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping at Belfast Castle’s two-day fair. There will be 36 stalls each day with 65 sellers spread over two days. You will be able to get everything ticked off your shopping list under one roof. 25th and 26th November.
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events/frock-around-the-clock-the-magical-christmas-fair

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

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

Discover Northern Ireland

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

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/

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

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.

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

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

Cookstown Christmas Lights Switch-On

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/

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

Colin Glen Mindfulness Trail

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

The British Museum

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

Volunteer Ireland

Yallaa educational and cultural programmes

Yallaa is offering a range of free educational and cultural programmes at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast. The programme includes Arabic Club for Children, Yallaa Fonoon Festival and more. Please click here to access the event poster with dates, times and contacts details for events.
https://forwardsouth-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/emily_brown_forwardsouth_org/EubOXM5L-xVAha1nqVkulpMBiGmD5nstYT-LSTPIuMjGVQ?e=CEcO1U

Online Stress Control Classes for Autumn

Health and Social Care NI’s online stress control classes are available, free, to all adults. The course consists of six weekly 90-minute classes and the next course begins on Monday 6th November. For more information, visit below:
https://ni.stresscontrol.org/

Louvre Museum Online Tours

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

Dublin Zoo

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

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

Explore Livecams

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

Christmas Tree Light Switch-On at Montalto Estate

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/

Mauritshuis Virtual Tour

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

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

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

Newtownards Christmas Switch-On

Walk NI

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

Wee Adventures

Discover Northern Ireland

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

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

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/

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

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

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

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/

The Wildlife Trust

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

Google 3D Animal View

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

Ravine - Free Wellbeing Walks

ESC Films - Bringing the outside in

Cork Jazz Festival

The Cork Jazz Festival is one of Ireland's flagship arts and cultural events, attracting visitors from all over the world. The festival runs from 26th October until 30th October.
https://guinnesscorkjazz.com/

Giant Adventures series

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/

Seamus Heaney Open Ground

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

Enchanted Winter Garden

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

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/

Ravine Training and Work Experience

Edinburgh Zoo

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

Natural History Museum

Take a virtual tour of the museum
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/

Christmas Lights Switch-Ons

Living Life to the Full

AWARE NI are hosting a six-week face-to-face programme entitled Living Life to the Full. This training is designed to help people manage their feelings when stressed, worried or depressed. The course will also allow attendees to learn simple practical skills to help them cope with life’s challenges. Full details are available here: https://aware-ni.org/living-life-to-the-full Click here to register and see available dates -
https://aware-ni.org/booking-living-life-to-the-full/

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/

Belfast Free Walking Tour

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

Rijksmusuem From Home

Virtual tours of the Rijksmusuem
https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/from-home

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.

Relationship and Sexuality Education Programme

Common Youth is offering a free four-week relationship and sexuality education programme for young people aged 12-14 years. The programmes topics include puberty, consent, relationships, wellbeing and more. Please click here to access further information and contact details.
https://forwardsouth-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/emily_brown_forwardsouth_org/EQl1Lgr8QqtLqp4rzCytkZYB5C1U63_klM0DnjenYusjEg?e=JMapBn

SKILL UP

If you're aged 18 and over and eligible to work in Northern Ireland, a range of free accredited courses are available to help you re-train and re-skill, through the Northern Ireland Executive's SKILL UP scheme.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/skillup

Living Life to the Full

RNIB Talking Books

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

Open Culture

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

BBC

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

Belfast Free Walking Tour

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/

Online Stress Control Classes for Autumn

NASA

Information about existence beyond our solar system
https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/

National Careers Service (UK)

Links to free online learning courses
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course/where-to-find-free-online-learning