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.
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 30 stalls each day with 60 sellers spread over two days. You will be able to get everything ticked off your shopping list under one roof. The fair is open on 23rd and 24th November.
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events/frock-around-the-clock-the-magical-christmas-fair
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
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
Walk NI
A definitive guide to coastal, parkland, urban, riverside and forest trails and routes throughout Northern Ireland
https://walkni.com/
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. Visit between 29th November and 21st December.
https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/enchanted-winter-garden-p809271
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
There will be a fantastic Showstoppers Parade to count down to the Lights Switch On by Santa, who will arrive in style. 22nd November at 6.30pm.
https://www.midulstercouncil.org/events-listing/christmas-2024
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 30th November.
https://www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/whats-on/newtownards-christmas-switch-on-p804611
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
Mount Stewart at Christmas
Mount Stewart is hosting a number of free festive events, including a winter trail, a concert band Christmas performance and late night openings. These continue into January 2025. More details are available here:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/mount-stewart/events
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
Armagh Georgian Festival
Armagh’s famous Georgian festival runs from 28th November until 1st December. It encourages attendees to delve into the Georgian history of Armagh through the buildings, characters and customs of the latter half of the 18th Century.
https://visitarmagh.com/festivals/georgianfestival/
Wiggle Room at the MAC
The Wiggle Room is the new children’s space at the MAC, featuring physical and digital fun, and interactive experiences. All co-designed by kids. It’s open until 29th November. For more information, go to:
https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/the-wiggle-room-p926451
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
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/
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/
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
Winter Circus
The Winter Circus returns to Writer’s Square in Belfast from 13th December 2024 to 1st January 2025. This event will be held in a heated big top tent, where the whole family will be warmly welcomed for the fifth Winter Circus event. On 17th December, there will be a relaxed performance specifically designed to welcome people with a learning disabilities and sensory and communication conditions.
https://www.tumblecircus.com/winter-circus-show/
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
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/
Apps 4 Healthcare NI
Searchable database for apps designed to meet healthcare needs including physical and mental fitness
https://apps4healthcareni.hscni.net/
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
Celebrate a traditional Christmas in Ballycultra
The Ulster Folk Museum is hosting a series of traditional Christmas events from 30th November until 22nd December. Wander the snowy, cobbled streets of Ballycultra this winter. Meet the craft demonstrators as they prepare for seasonal celebrations and take in the festive scents of Christmas pudding warming on the griddle. Listen out for seasonal tunes from carol singers, a brass band, and other traditional musicians across the festive season.
https://www.ulsterfolkmuseum.org/whats-on/christmas
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 20th November at 6pm. Full details here:
https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/christmas-tree-light-switch-on-p858171
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 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/
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
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.
Discover Northern Ireland
Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
https://discovernorthernireland.com/
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
Conservation Volunteers Drop-in Lunch
Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland is hosting free drop-in lunchtime sessions every Thursday, from 12pm-1pm at The BUG (Belfast Urban Garden) at 15 Kent Street. You can pop in and engage in question-and-answer discussions on conservation and horticulture, as well as enjoying nature-based activities. Please see below for further information and other activities that are happening in The BUG.
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/greytogreen
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.
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
Mount Stewart at Christmas
Mount Stewart is hosting a number of free festive events, including a winter trail, a concert band Christmas performance and late night openings. These continue into January 2025. More details are available here:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/mount-stewart/events
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
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/
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
Louvre Museum Online Tours
Virtual tours of the Louvre Museum
https://www.louvre.fr/en/online-tours#virtual-tours
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
Walk NI
A definitive guide to coastal, parkland, urban, riverside and forest trails and routes throughout Northern Ireland
https://walkni.com/
Conservation Volunteers Drop-in Lunch
Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland is hosting free drop-in lunchtime sessions every Thursday, from 12pm-1pm at The BUG (Belfast Urban Garden) at 15 Kent Street. You can pop in and engage in question-and-answer discussions on conservation and horticulture, as well as enjoying nature-based activities. Please see below for further information and other activities that are happening in The BUG.
https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/greytogreen
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
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
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
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
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/
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
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
Explore Livecams
Explore.org is the world's leading live nature cam network and documentary film channel.
https://explore.org/livecams
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
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
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
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 30th November.
https://www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/whats-on/newtownards-christmas-switch-on-p804611
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
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/
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/
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. Visit between 29th November and 21st December.
https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/enchanted-winter-garden-p809271
Mauritshuis Virtual Tour
Take a virtual tour of the Mauritshuis
https://www.mauritshuis.nl/en/discover/mauritshuis-thuis/3d-tour-mauritshuis/
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/
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/
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
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
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/
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/
Celebrate a traditional Christmas in Ballycultra
The Ulster Folk Museum is hosting a series of traditional Christmas events from 30th November until 22nd December. Wander the snowy, cobbled streets of Ballycultra this winter. Meet the craft demonstrators as they prepare for seasonal celebrations and take in the festive scents of Christmas pudding warming on the griddle. Listen out for seasonal tunes from carol singers, a brass band, and other traditional musicians across the festive season.
https://www.ulsterfolkmuseum.org/whats-on/christmas
Google 3D Animal View
Learn more about animals with the Google feature that shows 3D images
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDvviptz3XY
Edinburgh Zoo
Livecams allow you to watch livestreams of some of the zoo's most popular animals
https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/