Mind Your Head launches new ‘wellness’ activities programme

LOCAL mental health charity Mind Your Head has launched a new programme of activities to promote wellness among islanders – starting with a Christmas craft afternoon this weekend.

Those working for the service point to evidence that taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health – part of which is ensuring you take time to do activities that you enjoy.

To encourage people to look afteir their own mental wellbeing, a “wellness activity programme” (WAP) consisting of various activities has been put together.

The first one will be to enjoy Christmas crafts with Ana Arnett on Saturday (25 November) between 3-5pm at the Lerwick Boating Club.

Mind Your Head service manager Anouska Civico said: “The WAP is an excellent way for anyone to come and take part in something they would not usually do. Although the activity makes up a small part of the day, it gives folk a good reason to take time out and do something for themselves.”

Wellness support practitioner Charity Johnson is finalising the six-month activity programme.

She said: “The goal is to plan six months of different activities which people can come to for free. We are planning a varied programme so that everyone gets a chance to take part.

“It will also be a great opportunity for meeting new people and getting together with old friends. We would hope that people will come along and try the different sessions and maybe find a new hobby or leisure activity that they can do on a regular basis. We hope that in turn this leads people to have a better mental wellbeing.”

The WAP is funded by the EU’s LEADER programme and the National Lottery and is free of charge, with anyone over the age of 18 eligible to take part.

In August Mind Your Head announced that it was expanding to offer a one-to-one support service for local people and carers after receiving new funding.