Wellbeing

The Health Improvement and Development Service has many innovative projects and initiatives aimed at promoting health and wellbeing from all angles. Whether it's food and health you are interested in, smoking cessation or workplace health, there is a wealth of information and help available. Please click on the links in the right hand column to find out about specific projects and services.
 
Whether you've just turned 18, or are enjoying your retirement, keeping healthy is something we all need to think about. Many people assume that poor health is an inevitable part of getting older and even use this as an excuse to lead an unhealthy lifestyle but there are plenty of small steps you can take to improve your health and to help you on your way to a longer, happier and more independent life.
 
Taking care of yourself by eating healthily and being active can easily drop to the bottom of your priority list when work, family and social commitments are on your mind, but just a few small changes to your lifestyle can make all the difference. Things like taking the stairs instead of the lift can burn extra calories; don't be put off just because you're going to the 20th floor! Climb the stairs as far as you can and then take the lift the rest of the way, the more often you do this the more flights you'll be able to manage. For more ideas on keeping active at work go to www.bhf.org.uk/thinkfit/officeolympics/.
 
Just as we can take steps to make sure our bodies stay fit and healthy, we can also take steps to look after our mental and emotional wellbeing. Mental and emotional health issues are part of our everyday lives and can affect us as much as problems with our physical health. One in four people have a mental health issue at some time in their life and stress is now cited as one of the biggest cause of sickness absence from work.
 
We aim to use a variety of different styles and approaches in order to reach as wide an audience as possible. Much of the success of our work has been due to strong partnership working and sharing information and experience. Specialist workers provide support in the community on an array of issues such as healthy eating; sexual health; safety in the home; drug, alcohol and smoking awareness; and social isolation. Through this support we are giving people the power to make the choices to live healthier, happier lives whilst also strengthening their communities.