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British Sign Language.
Beginners courses are FREE.

https://signs4life.org/in-the-community/

Online Zoom course. 6 weeks, Variety of days 6.30pm – 8.30

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learn what helped Lee cope when faced with a traumatic experience of his new born twins

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Learn how local Time to Change Champion Barry overcome his mental health problems and what helps to keep him well

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Listen to local Time to Change Champion Sean's incredible journey of how he recovered from a serious sports injury, how this impacted his mental health and what helps to keep him well

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Listen to local Time to Change Champion Tom share his story from struggling to recovery and what helped him

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Want to get the family active and outside? Why not try the high scoring walking challenge. Mix it up by seeing how many birds or flowers you can spot as well as grids!

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Learn, Be Active, Take Notice, Connect and Give

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Learn, Be Active, Take Notice, Connect and Give

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Stuck for ideas? Why not try the National Trusts '50 things to do before you're 11 and 3/4!s' activity list

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'50 things to do before you're 11¾' activity list

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From stargazing to crawling through mud looking for animal clues, our complete list has something for every young explorer.

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Top tips for star gazing with the National trust

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A magical night-time scene photographed by Steven Hanna Steven Hanna

Stargazing is a magical way to bring science alive and to experience the beauty of our natural world. Looking up at the great canopy of space is a powerful experience, which everyone can enjoy. What's more, stargazing is no.27 on our list of '50 things to do before you're 11¾'.

Grab your coats, find a cosy spot to lie down in your back garden or look out of your window.The longer you look up, the more stars you'll discover. As you gaze, take some time to enjoy the moment - how does it make you feel? What words can you use to describe your special view?

If you've got a star spotter guide with you, you could try to connect the dots of constellations like 'orion' and 'the bull', but it can be just as much fun to find your own shapes. Try drawing them in your very own star diary. And if you're lucky, you may even get to see a shooting star whizz across the sky... what will you wish for?

Turn out all the lights to reduce light pollution

Turn out all the lights to reduce light pollution

Follow our top tips below to make the most of stargazing.

Stargazing tips

Stargazing is best done before the moon is full, so check the phase of the moon before you start.

Turn off all the lights in your home to reduce light pollution.

The night sky is constantly changing, depending on the time of year and the time of night. Try stargazing at different times in the year to spot seasonal constellations.

Download an app like Star Walk (iPhone) or Google Sky (android) to your mobile device, and they will tell you what stars you can see from your current location.

What you'll need

Something to lie on. A blanket or camping mat will do.

Food, drink and warm clothes to keep everyone happy and warm as you wait for the stars to come out. Hot chocolate is a perfect choice to keep cosy.

How about uploading a playlist of space-themed songs to your phone? Or as the sun sets, you could read ancient myths about the stars and tales of space exploration.

A star spotter guide and a compass to help you find a particular constellation or star.

Your camera to capture the wonder on the faces of stargazers or the stars above.

What to look out for
The Sun

This is our nearest star, and if you hollowed out the Sun you could fit nearly one million Earths inside it. But never look directly at the sun through a camera, telescope or binoculars. You will damage your eyes, and may even suffer permanent blindness if you do. You can make a simple pinhole viewer to project the image of the sun.
The Moon

All of the world's oceans are controlled by the moon. The moon is the reason we have high and low tides. Only 12 people have ever set foot there. But because there is no wind, if you visited the moon today you would still see their footprints.

It wasn't until people saw the moon through binoculars that they realised it isn't a perfect sphere. On a clear night, it's easy to see its craters and bumpy edges.

Stars

When you see the stars you are looking into the past. Because light takes time to travel and stars are many light years away from us you could be seeing a star that doesn't even exist anymore.

Please note, this episode was recorded before UK restrictions to stem the spread of coronavirus. Please check current guidance before planning any activities.

Podcast: Things that go click in the night

In this podcast episode, presenter Jo Dyson gets a masterclass in night time photography from astrophotographer, Steven Hanna. Listen to discover how you can use your camera to shed light on the secrets of the night.

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Stargazing is a magical way to bring science alive and to experience the beauty of our natural world. Looking up at the great canopy of space is a powerful experience, which everyone can enjoy. What's more, stargazing is no.27 on our list of '50 things to do before you're 11¾'.

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Lots of ideas for self care for children including mindful colouring, laughing out loud and breathing exercises

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This self-care kit has lots of ideas and activities for self-care for children, including mindful colouring, laughing out loud, breathing exercises, an emotional check-in, ways to express thoughts, a self soothe box and more creative activities.

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Self-Care Kit : Mentally Healthy Schools

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This self-care kit has lots of ideas and activities for self-care for children, including mindful colouring, laughing out loud, breathing exercises, an emotional check-in, ways to express thoughts, a self soothe box and more creative activities.

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2 week mindfulness calendar with daily 5 minute activities for you and your child

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This is a two-week calendar with daily mindfulness activity suggestions. The simple, short activities encourage children to focus on what's around them to find a sense of calm.

This resource is also available in Welsh here.
These simple mindfulness activities are designed to help pupils relax physically and emotionally.

Pupils should be encouraged to do them regularly with the support of an adult, and when confident can independently practice as part of their self care plan.

Using this resource

This resource is designed for:

children aged 3 and up

use with individual children, small groups or whole classes

The activities within the calendar will take approximately five minutes and can be done at home or in school.

You can display this poster in your classroom or staff room, and use the accompany guidance for instructions on how to deliver the activities.

You can run these activities whenever you like, for example at the start of lessons, or after playtime, to help ground and relax the children.

Curriculum links

England - RHSE

Mental wellbeing

Pupils should know:

* simple self-care techniques, including the importance of rest, time spent with friends and family and the benefits of hobbies and interests

Northern Ireland - Personal Development and Mutual Understanding

Personal Understanding and Health

Pupils should be enabled to explore:

* their own and others' feelings and emotions; (Foundation)

* their own and others' feelings and emotions and how their actions affect others; (KS1)

* their management of a range of feelings and emotions and the feelings and emotions of others (KS2)

Wales - Health and Wellbeing

Statement 2 - How we process and respond to our experiences affects our mental health and emotional well-being.

Scotland - Health and Wellbeing

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

* I understand the importance of mental wellbeing and that this can be fostered and strengthened through personal coping skills.

* I know that we all experience a variety of thoughts and emotions that affect how we feel and behave, and I am learning ways of managing them.

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Mindfulness calendar: daily five minute activities : Mentally Healthy Schools

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This is a two-week calendar with daily mindfulness activity suggestions. The simple, short activities encourage children to focus on what's around them to find a sense of calm. This resource is also available in Welsh here. These simple mindfulness activities are designed to help pupils relax physically and emotionally.

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Join the good energy movement with Go Noodle and help your child to be more active and mindful

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Looking for something fun as a family? Enjoy storytime, free online books and videos, play games, win prizes, test your knowledge in book-themed quizzes, or even learn how to draw some of your favourite characters

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Looking for something fun as a family? Enjoy storytime with our free online books and videos, play games, win prizes, test your knowledge in our book-themed quizzes, or even learn how to draw some of your favourite characters.
Please note: We sometimes link to third-party sites, including YouTube, so children should not use HomeTime unsupervised.

HomeTime with Authors and Illustrators

Explore more lockdown activities

Open the HomeTime Cupboard

Have you missed some of our exciting BookTrust HomeTime treats? Don't worry - we're storing all of them in the HomeTime Cupboard for you! Open it up to enjoy storytimes, how-to-draws, activities and many more treats.
Let's get started

We know that being locked down at home can be overwhelming or stressful for you and your family. Books can be a great way to unwind and have a giggle, so we've put together lists of recommended titles that we think will help you through this phase of coronavirus restrictions.

Tips and advice

Get useful tips and advice about how to read as a family, setting up a great bedtime routine, and how to encourage reading in your school.
Get started

Try our Bookfinder

Use our Bookfinder to find the perfect book for you, your family and friends. Search hundreds of reviews of children's books by age category and theme.

Book suggestions that your child will love

Looking for your child's next book or a reading list on a certain issue? See the best new books and children's classics that we recommend.

Back to top

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Looking for something fun as a family? Enjoy storytime with our free online books and videos, play games, win prizes, test your knowledge in our book-themed quizzes, or even learn how to draw some of your favourite characters. Please note: We sometimes link to third-party sites, including YouTube, so children should not use HomeTime unsupervised.

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Daily sport and fitness activity videos designed to get you active and have fun!

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As for everyone since the lockdown started, it has been a rough ride. Some of our coaches remain frontline, helping the schools to stay open for key workers and the vulnerable children who need them the most.

But for many it has thrown a complete roadblock against our work as a charity. An immediate cut-off to the Coaches' work and those that depend on us. From one day working with more than 7,000 vulnerable young Londoners to almost overnight every sports hall being closed and mid season young peoples' sporting dreams and ambitions dashed.

But it has become a source of pride.

Pride in our coaches for how they have responded and their quick thinking to get coaching sessions online, and their determination to keep these kids and families healthy and active through this time has been incredible. With that we are proud to launch our #HomeCoach campaign which will run throughout the lockdown, delivering regular online coaching to the young people that need us.

We know that the youngsters working with our coaches are active because their Coach inspires them to be active. We will send sport specific content to their inbox and their feeds and to check in with them throughout this time so they know they are not alone.

And the inspiration is the youngsters who have responded, sometimes in incredible ways. This brilliant video was made by some of our youngest participants, in isolation. As the very youngest of them says in his poster: 'Social distancing is not going to stop us being a TEAM.'

On a usual Monday morning our coaches are working before breakfast, spread out across London in schools and in the Greenhouse Centre running sports sessions for their young groups. That's thousands of 12-16 year-olds working out before the school day. Getting them engaged, active, confident. For some of these young people, the sessions can be the single reason they keep coming to school.

Suddenly Coaches can't do their work. The kids isolated at home now unable to see and speak with a source of stability and trust and fun for young lives with many challenges. No group sessions together, no training, no games, no one-on-one mentoring. Contact ceased. One day a kid comes to school just so he can see you every day and then he has no form of contact with you.

In the last week, our coaches have mobilised. They have taken the complete and frightening disruption and isolation of Covid-19 and have tried to make a positive impact for their young people. On old iPhones and iPads, propped up against sinks in the bathroom and chairs in the back yard, they are filming themselves; speaking to camera, encouraging positivity, setting tasks - fitness sessions, training tips, advice - table tennis on kitchen tables, basketball against a back wall. It's uncomfortable for some, and there are no Oscars here - the gym and court is their space, not performing to a beaten-up phone. But they are getting on with it, hoping they are getting through to their kids via social media and school systems.

With #HomeCoach, social media and school link systems have become our Coaches' office, and the playbook is whatever prop the Coach can find in their homes. Our Volleyball Coach Luca is on our #HomeCoach YouTube playlist every day, and her participants are responding on the school's ShowMyHomework system, giving their own tips and workouts, from front rooms and hallways across east London. 'Hi Miss Toth I did the spiking training it was a bit difficult but did it. For the challenge I got 6 inside a box'.....'It was really fun and I learnt a lot of things from the video and it gave me a booster of energy because I am staying home because of the virus'......'It went great! I even tried it out with my family!'

You can help the Coaches too in many ways. Follow us on social, give them a like, share it around. You can view our #HomeCoach YouTube playlist here.

Any advice from the filming, tech or creative industries on how we can get this work out to youngsters, please email ben.wyatt@greenhousesports.org, or let us know on Facebook or LinkedIn.

During these months, inequality is increasing, as young people in poorer parts of London will sadly see themselves slip further behind their better off peers during the period.

Greenhouse Sports needs to continue to support these kids to stay engaged with their school work as well as their physical wellbeing. Our work will be even more important than it is now when schools re-open. You can donate to support our vital work here

Thank you and stay safe.

#HomeCoach #InvestInOurChampions

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Coping with Covid - #HomeCoach - Greenhouse Sports

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For Greenhouse Sports it has thrown a complete roadblock against our work as a charity. An immediate cut-off to our work and those that depend on us. From one day working with more than 7000 vulnerable young Londoners to the next day, nothing. But it has become a source of pride.

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Stuck indoors? here are a few ideas to get creative and connect with nature at the same time

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With schools closing in the UK and the Government advice to stay indoors, we need to get a little inventive about how we can connect with nature.

It can be comforting for children (and big kids like us!) to know that while there's uncertainty in our lives at the moment, the sun rises every day, and flowers are blooming outside.

Parents and carers might also be wondering how they are going to keep children entertained at home and so we've put together a few ideas.

These activities are suitable for children under the age of 11 years old.

Are you an urban gardener?
Don't have access to a garden of your own? Perhaps you live in on the top floor of an apartment block, or in a busy city where space is limited. Here are our top indoor activities, which are also great for rainy days:

Milk bottle waterers
Turn a plastic milk bottle into a watering can to keep your houseplants or containers looking happy.

Make a recycled watering device
Recycle old plastic containers to create this brilliant self-watering device for indoor plants.

Make a mini allotment
Grow vegetables all year round in mini allotments on your windowsill.

Saucer veg
With a little time and patience, there are vegetables that you can re-grow again and again from kitchen scraps!

Make a growing grassy creature
Turn an old pair of tights into a funny-looking head with grass instead of hair!

Pea head person
Another hair-raising idea...try growing a full head of 'pea shoot hair' with this quick germinating seed and enjoy eating the fresh, new shoots as a healthy snack.

Make a potato bag monster
Out of the darkness emerged the great Potato Monster! Put an old potato in a dark place and wait for it to transform. You could even use your imagination to write a short about your potato's new personality.

Store cupboard scientist
Use dried beans and seeds from your kitchen cupboards to investigate how water and light affect growth.

Have a garden of your own?
If you are lucky enough to have access to a garden at home, you might want to try these ideas out with your young explorers:

Make a rainbow
Explore the colours in the garden. Make your own artist's palette of colour by collecting natural materials and sticking them to cardboard.

Sensory touch boxes
Close your eyes and describe the different textures of items you've collected from outside. Grass can be tickly, pine cones might be prickly, and feathers soft...the possibilities are endless but the big idea is to connect your senses to what's happening now.

Draw a map of your garden
Start planning what you would like to grow next year by creating a beautiful drawing of your garden and thinking about where new plants could go.

Did you try out anything here?
Take some pictures of your makes and share them with us on social media@RHSSchools or Facebook or by emailing the team schoolgardening@rhs.org.uk

Who knows, your young people's handiwork might inspire others to have a go, too!

And don't forget we still have plenty more activities and ideas on our website here so see what grabs you!

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With schools closing in the UK and the Government advice to stay indoors, we need to get a little inventive about how we can connect with nature. It can be comforting for children (and big kids like us!) to know that while there's uncertainty in our lives at the moment, the sun rises every day, and flowers are blooming outside.

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FREE art projects to try at home and boost your child's resilience

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Not sure what mindfulness is really about? Why not try Smiling Minds FREE Mindfulness App. You can feel calmer and less stressed from just 10 minute a day

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Practice your daily meditation and mindfulness exercises from any device.

Smiling Mind is a unique tool developed by psychologists and educators to help bring balance to your life.

We suggest 10 minutes a day.

What are you waiting for?

DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!

Our App

A daily mindfulness and meditation guide at your fingertips

#1 Apple Health & Wellbeing App 2018 - Australia

Downloaded over 8.3M times

100% evidence based

FREE Programs for children and adults

We suggest 10 minutes a day

What are you waiting for?

DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW AND SEE FOR YOURSELF!

TRY SAYING:

"Hey Google, talk to Smiling Mind"

"Hey Google, do a sleep meditation with Smiling Mind"

"Hey Google, use Smiling Mind to do a relax meditation"

"Hey Google, help me focus with Smiling Mind"

Indigenous Languages Program

We worked with NPY Women's Council to develop a mindfulness program aimed at providing accessible and engaging mental health tools for Aboriginal people of the NPY region. These meditations have been scripted and recorded by senior Anangu women in Pitjantjatjara and Ngaanyatjarra. Thanks to nib foundation for funding this work.

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Smiling Mind is a unique tool developed by psychologists and educators to help bring balance to your life. We suggest 10 minutes a day. What are you waiting for?

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Check out On My Mind a brilliant website full of self care tips for young people by young people to help look after your mental health

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There's lots of support available in Halton to help with your mental health but finding what you need can be tricky. Check out the local Mental Health Info Point for details of support available both locally and nationally

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Mental Health Info Point for Halton and mental health information for residents of Runcorn and Widnes

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Calling all 8-13 year olds! learn all about how your brain really works with the famous Me and My Chimp Fantastic Brain session. Booking required

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Get creative with Mako Create trying video game design, audio production and more!

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We are bubbling over with excitement to announce that we have been successful with a Curious Minds, Bubble Up funding application. This funding means we are going to be delivering a free 6 week, video game design course to year 7s in Widnes. As...

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Mako Create | Creative, Digital, Cultural and Arts Training and Experiences

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We are bubbling over with excitement to announce that we have been successful with a Curious Minds, Bubble Up funding application. This funding means we are going to be delivering a free 6 week, video game design course to year 7s in Widnes. As...

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Wellbeing Enterprises offers FREE wellbeing courses to help you learn new skills, meet new people and have fun!

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Facilitated by a Wellbeing Officer from Wellbeing Enterprises and a professional instructor.

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The national Reading Well schemes help you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading. The scheme is endorsed by health professionals.

The books are on display in each library. Patients can take the list to a library and borrow or reserve the book or simply come in and browse the books to find one that can help

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The national Reading Well schemes help you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading. The scheme is endorsed by health professionals and supported by public libraries.

There are currently five book lists available: Reading Well for mental health, Reading Well for dementia, Reading Well for young people, Reading Well for Children and Reading Well for long term conditions.

The books are on display in each library. Patients can take the list to a library and borrow or reserve the book or simply come in and browse the books to find one that can help.
Reading Well Lists
The books in the 5 schemes have been recommended by health professionals and people with experience of the conditions covered. They have been tried and tested and found to be helpful.

More information is available from www.reading-well.org.uk

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The national Reading Well schemes help you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading. The scheme is endorsed by health professionals and supported by public libraries. There are currently five book lists available: Reading Well for mental health, Reading Well for dementia, Reading Well for young people, Reading Well for Children and Reading Well for long term conditions.

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Runcorn Old Town Bloomers are looking for volunteers to help out in the gardens they plant in Runcorn Old Town.
They generally get together on a Sunday, but some daily jobs required such as weeding, watering etc.

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Old
Town
Bloomers

Community Garden Project

Welcome to Old Town Bloomers

The Old Town Bloomers are a community gardening group, based in Runcorn, Cheshire. Home to Little Free Library #55580 and Incredible Edible Runcorn.

​​

Unfortunately due to the current Health crisis all group meetings are suspended until further notice, please read our blog to keep up to date.

​

​

​

If you have any questions please use the ' Contact' tab to send us a note.

Find Us On

@oldtownbloomers

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Old Town Bloomers Community Garden Project Welcome to Old Town Bloomers The Old Town Bloomers are a community gardening group, based in Runcorn, Cheshire. Home to Little Free Library #55580 and Incredible Edible Runcorn. ​​ Unfortunately due to the current Health crisis all group meetings are suspended until further notice, please read our blog to keep up to date.

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There's lots on at The Studio Widnes.
Some events are online, but as lockdown eases, some will return to the building. To find out more, click the pic below

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The Conservation Volunteer Trust are looking for new members.
The TCV undertake a range of activities in both urban and rural areas, from planting trees and wild flower meadows, to building stiles, clearing footpaths or creating new food growing projects.
But some things are constant, how good it feels to be part of a team making a real difference to a valued outdoor place and our promise that every day you will learn new skills, meet new people and make a difference!
Click the pic below.

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TCV works with thousands of people across the UK, helping them to discover, improve and enjoy their local green spaces and by doing so create happier and healthier communities.

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Do you like reading? Ever thought of being part of a local reading group? Either as a listener with others or perhaps a volunteer reader for the group? Share experiences and enjoy company. You don't have to join in to be a member of the groups, just turn up to either a session in a place or an online group.
Click the Pic below

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Skip navigation to main content

Front Door Key

Open the door to reading, music, theatre, and wellbeing events at The Reader at Calderstones.

Find out more

Shared Reading

Shared Reading is a unique experience that helps people connect, feel good and live well.

Find a group

Activities and events for all ages

Discover reading, wellbeing and heritage events at Calderstones this Spring

Book now

Join the Reading Revolution
We're a national charity that wants to bring about a Reading Revolution so that everyone can experience and enjoy great literature, which we believe is a tool for helping humans survive and live well.
From our global Shared Reading movement, to our Calderstones Park home - The Reader builds lively communities that bring people together and books to life.

Find a group near you

The Reader is the best thing I have ever belonged to, as a group member and a volunteer.

Joyce, Shared Reading group leader, Liverpool

Read more stories

Trails and Tales

Take a look at our new digital park map and embark on a journey of discovery and literary delight.

Explore

Become a volunteer

Love reading? Love meeting new people? Want to make a difference locally? If so, Shared Reading could be the thing for you. And you could be just the person for us.

Find out more

Honestly, seriously, without a word of a lie, this is what's kept me alive.

Malcolm, Shared Reading group member

Read more stories

The Reader at Calderstones

The Reader at Calderstones is a community unlike any other, somewhere people can get together, experience literature and try something new.

Drop in at the Mansion House to get a bite to eat at The Reader Café, join a Shared Reading group or explore 5,000 years of storytelling in our dedicated exhibition.

Explore the park, where you'll find the Storybarn play space and The Reader Ice Cream Parlour.

The Storybarn

The Storybarn exists to spark a life-long love of books and reading, and an unending curiosity for exploring the astonishing worlds of our imagination.

Whether you're coming as family, party or school, this imaginative play space is dedicated to sharing the delights of reading with babies and children.

Come and play!

We feel lucky to have a local resource that fosters such a strong foundation for literacy for children. We love it!

Cheryl, Liverpool

Top

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Skip navigation to main content Open the door to reading, music, theatre, and wellbeing events at The Reader at Calderstones. Find out more Shared Reading is a unique experience that helps people connect, feel good and live well.

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Ever thought about how fulfilling a volunteer role may be?
Halton and St Helens Voluntary and Community Action may have an opportunity for you. Also if when you visit the page you click the icon at the top, it will take you to the main HSVCA page where you can find out lots more.
Click the Pic below

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Volunteer Centre Halton and St Helens promoting and developing volunteering in your area. A TeamKinetic powered website.

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Volunteer Centre Halton and St Helens - Volunteering Development & Support. Volunteer Centre Halton and St Helens, a project to identify, train and deploy volunteers across the area. It is a TeamKinetic powered website.

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Find out what on during Mental Health Awareness week from Healthwatch Halton
Click the Pic below

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Find out how to support someone who suffers from mental Health problems.
Click the Pic below

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Helping someone with a mental health problem

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Find out how you can support someone you care about with a mental health problem. Our information also covers support for your own wellbeing.

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2021 is Halton Year as the Regional Borough of Culture. Find out more, things to do and how to be involved .
Click the Pic below

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Welcome to CELEBRATE HALTON. Halton Borough of Culture 2021

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This poster explains what the years Mental Health Awareness week is all about.
Click the Pic below

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Halton Libraries - not just rooms full of books!
Event spaces, digital information, free access to online newspapers and magazines and audio books, delivery services, cafes, and much more.
The latest events  calendar can be found using this link.
Click the Pic below

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A reading group is a group of people who meet together to talk about a book they have read. They read one book a month and discuss it at the following meeting. Each meeting lasts for an hour.

Halton Lea Library

Thursday Group meets on the first Thursday of every month at 5.45pm

Saturday meets on the last Saturday of every month at 10.30am

Adventures in Reading meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 5.45 pm

Widnes Library

Tuesday 1 meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 5.45pm

Tuesday 2 meets on the last Tuesday of every month at 5.45pm

The Classics group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 5.45pm

Runcorn Library

Runcorn's reading group meets on the last Monday of the month 10.30am - 11.30am

We also provide collections of books for reading groups to borrow. These include fiction, classic fiction and non- fiction books. A list of the books available is in the recommended reads section of the booklist.
Reading Group Schedule 2020
If you would like to join one of our groups or borrow a collection, please contact Trudy Jones at Halton Lea Library

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A reading group is a group of people who meet together to talk about a book they have read. They read one book a month and discuss it at the following meeting. Each meeting lasts for an hour.

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Find out how science changed Halton and the World.
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre has interactive exhibits and also teaching spaces which can be booked for children to learn about how science makes everything tick.
Its also got a fab viewing gallery at the top where you can see for miles!
Click the Pic below

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Why Nature is the theme for Mental Health Awareness week.

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Why Nature is the theme for Mental Health Awareness week.

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Click the Pic below

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Hosted every May by the Mental Health Foundation

Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event where there is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health.

The Mental Health Foundation created the event 22 years ago. Each year we continue to set the theme, organise and host the week. The event has grown to become one of the biggest awareness weeks across the UK and globally.

Mental Health Awareness Week is open to everyone. It is all about starting conversations about mental health and the things in our daily lives that can affect it. Every year, we want as many people as possible - individuals, communities, and governments - to think about the theme for the week and how it relates to their daily lives and work. It's also a chance to talk about any aspect of mental health that people want to - regardless of the theme.

You can see find out more about some of the topics we've covered in recent years below.

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Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event where there is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health. The Mental Health Foundation created the event 22 years ago. Each year we continue to set the theme, organise and host the week.

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Why not visit Norton Priory Museum. Learn about Haltons historic past?
Norton Priory Museum & Gardens is one of Cheshire's hidden gems. Once home to a medieval church, this is the most excavated monastic site in Europe. https://www.nortonpriory.org/

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Another set of walks using a phone app Viewranger. 3 walks from Cronton, at the North end of Widnes.

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Use ViewRanger to plan, navigate, record, and share your outdoor adventures. Download topographic maps and trails from top publishers, plus active gps navigation, BuddyBeacon and more.

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A walk using an App available for all phones. Viewranger.
A walk around Runcorn with stops and refreshment places.
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Length:

5.81 miles

Surface:

Smooth

Difficulty:

Easy

Total Ascent:

360 feet

Total Descent:

360 feet

Max Elevation:

252 feet

Min Elevation:

48 feet

A circular route from Runcorn Old Town, taking in Weston Village, Higher Runcorn.

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Runcorn & Weston Village Circular | Walking with ViewRanger GPS

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Length: 5.81 miles Surface: Smooth Difficulty: Easy Total Ascent: 360 feet Total Descent: 360 feet Max Elevation: 252 feet Min Elevation: 48 feet A circular route from Runcorn Old Town, taking in Weston Village, Higher Runcorn. We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies.

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6 walks in our parks with information on distance and time it should take. From 15 - 20 minutes up to an hour. Something fro everyone!
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Looking for an idea for a walk. Why not look at the Heritage Walks around Halton?
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The streets, buildings, landmarks and open spaces of our borough have so many amazing stories to tell.

Artist Jeni McConnell has created two new walks to share her discoveries whilst she was out and about exploring in the borough. Peppered with snippets of research and the odd mystery or two, they reveal the rich history of the area. Both walks are circular, one is centred on the area around Runcorn Town Hall, the other begins in Appleton Village and explores Victoria Park in Widnes.

The 'Meandering and Mysteries' walks are available as two separate leaflets. You can pick up printed copies at local libraries across Halton, view them online, or download and print them yourself by clicking on the links below.

We hope you enjoy the walks - you will find links from them to objects, photos and oral histories on this website so please come back to find out more.

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The streets, buildings, landmarks and open spaces of our borough have so many amazing stories to tell. Artist Jeni McConnell has created two new walks to share her discoveries whilst she was out and about exploring in the borough. Peppered with snippets of research and the odd mystery or two, they reveal the rich history of the area.

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Find your local parks and open spaces. They are treasures of sanctuary, history and green highways. Explore them now. https://www3.halton.gov.uk/Pages/libraries/parks.aspx

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Learn a new skill or improve your employment prospects. Find out more about Adult Learning here.
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find out about adult learning in halton, the location of our adult learning centres and night classed

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Find out about walks in the woods.
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Discover Woodland Trust woods near you, including the best woods for walks, wildlife watching, family fun and heritage.

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Support:                           Mental Health Conditions. What are they?  

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Support:                           Mental Health Conditions. What are they?  

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If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a mental health condition you may be looking for more information. Click on the picture below to learn more about symptoms and treatments, clearly and simply.
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Mental health conditions - Mental Health UK

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If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a mental health condition you may be looking for more information. Click on the condition to learn more about symptoms and treatments, clearly and simply.

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Tips and Ideas for you to get yourself doing more.
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Lace up for our 5k May challenge!

This challenge is a fun, accessible and collaborative way to fundraise for Mental Health UK. All you need to do is run 5k, donate £5 and nominate 5 others!

Doing things that help us to relax, make us feel happy or calm such as exercise, eating well and sleep are a normal part of taking care of ourselves and they contribute towards your mental health. Mental health is just as important as physical health and they influence each other.

People living with mental health problems have the same physical health needs as everybody else but are less likely to do any physical activity. This can be further impacted by the side-effects of medication which leaves some feeling tired and lethargic.

Did you know people who take part in regular physical activity have up to a 30% lower risk of depression? Exercise is proven to have a hugely positive impact on the quality of life of people affected by mental health problems including:

Improving our mood

Reducing symptoms of stress

Reduced anger

Alleviating anxiety

Slowing cognitive decline

How does physical activity improve my health?

There are lots of benefits to taking part in physical exercise. Not only will it help your mental health, but your physical health will improve too. Here are just some of the ways that taking part in physical activity can improve your health:

Make us fitter

Help us to manage your weight

Build us to strength and muscle

Keep your joints healthy

Make you feel good about yourself

Help us to prevent physical health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes, and some cancers

How does physical activity affect my mental health?

Exercise is key for good mental health. When we exercise our bodies release a natural hormone called 'endorphins', these make you feel good and improve your mood.

But there are lots of other ways exercise helps with our mental health such as: better concentration, better sleep and feeling more motivated. Keeping a routine can also be really good for our wellbeing and making exercise part of that weekly routine is a great idea to boost our wellbeing.

What counts as physical activity?

Any activity is better than none. You don't have to start lifting weights in the gym or running to feel fit and healthy. NHS guidelines suggest doing 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. You can break this up into 5 x 30-minute sessions, or 10 x 15-minute sessions. Moderate activity will raise your heart rate and break you into a sweat. But you should not be so breathless that you can't talk.

If you don't do any activity at the moment, you can work up to doing 150 minutes. Aim for 1 hour per week to begin with, and every few weeks add an extra hour. You can break it down into 10-15 minute blocks if you prefer.

If you have not done any exercise for some time or have other health problems, you could discuss increasing your physical activity with your GP.

For more tips and ideas about fitness and mental health, watch this video by fitness trainer Harry Thomas.

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Mental health and physical health - Mental Health UK

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Doing things that help us to relax, make us feel happy or calm such as exercise, eating well and sleep are a normal part of taking care of ourselves and they contribute towards your mental health. Mental health is just as important as physical health and they influence each other.

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Lots to do out and about in Halton. Take a look at our activehalton website for more ideas.
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But of course our advice is to stay safe and follow the corona virus guidelines.

Staying physically active is more important than ever, even if it is just in small chunks around the house. We can leave our homes for exercise, maybe a walk or a run but remember to keep your distance and follow guidelines to help prevent the virus spreading.

Being active is good for our physical and mental wellbeing, it will help us be more resilient and improve our immunity. Being active helps our NHS. Do check back with us mid-May when we would can offer information about a phased return to exercise classes and health walks.

The links provided below will help you find advice about sport and being active for all health conditions. There is a great selection of free online exercise sessions from gentle chair based exercise to high intensity workouts.

Keeping people active with lots of great advice and links to exercise classes and workouts including couch to 5K, Join the Movement, NHS workouts and much more:
Locally in Halton
Many of our local Active Halton partners/leisure centres and community exercise coaches are providing exercise classes on Zoom and videos on Facebook to continue their business and support you stay active online, check out our timetable and speak with your regular coach or leisure centre for further details.

For further information about Community Physical Activity in Halton call:

Paula Parle 0151 511 8550

Do check our social media/web pages for updates or shared ideas:

Leave comments, let us know what you are doing, and maybe use hashtags #activehalton #HaltOnLonliness

Taking part in online exercise/ activity classes

As with all exercise programs, you need to use common sense. Choose an exercise program/activity that's suitable for you. Ensure you are fit and well to take part, make sure you are warmed-up, keep well hydrated and stop if you feel unwell. You take part at your own risk and should seek medical advice if appropriate.

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Be Active Stay Healthy with Active Me | Active Halton

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But of course our advice is to stay safe and follow the corona virus guidelines. Staying physically active is more important than ever, even if it is just in small chunks around the house. We can leave our homes for exercise, maybe a walk or a run but remember to keep your distance and follow guidelines to help prevent the virus spreading.

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Talking about Mental Health in the Workplace

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Talking about Mental Health in the Workplace

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Challenge misconceptions, start conversations and change attitudes around mental health with these materials for your workplace.
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Note: Some activities could bring up difficult feelings and it's likely that at least one person in a group is likely to have experience of mental illness. Create a safe environment from the outset:

Make it clear that people do not have to disclose anything about themselves unless they feel comfortable and safe to do

Make sure everyone knows where and how to access support, both in and out of the workplace.

Understanding mental health

Lunch and learn - mental health
Suitable for: Groups
Time: 45 - 60 minutes
Get some ideas for running one or more 'Lunch and learn' sessions about mental health.

Supporting managers

Opening up conversations

Setting healthy boundaries as a Champion
Suitable for: Individuals
Advice on how to set boundaries that help you balance your role as a Champion, your work, and your wellbeing.

Fighting stigma

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Note: Some activities could bring up difficult feelings and it's likely that at least one person in a group is likely to have experience of mental illness. Create a safe environment from the outset: Make it clear that people do not have to disclose anything about themselves unless they feel comfortable and safe to do Make sure everyone knows where and how to access support, both in and out of the workplace.

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Clic is a free UK-wide online community here to support adults with their mental health.
Lice chat rooms and advice, resources and plans to help you.
https://clic-uk.org/

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FINDING SUPPORT GROUPS IN THE HALTON AREA.

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FINDING SUPPORT GROUPS IN THE HALTON AREA.

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Use this link to find local support group who have registered with ReThink https://www.rethink.org/help-in-your-area/groups-in-your-area/ insert your post code to find the nearest help available.