Self-Care in the Spotlight

A host of activities and events are taking place across South Tyneside next week to mark Self-Care Week.

To launch the week a free coffee morning will be held at Cleadon Park library on Monday (14 November) between 10am and 12,30pm. The event has been organised by the a better u Health and Wellbeing Network and a number of local organisations that promote mental health will be there to provide information on their services.

People can take part in a gentle walk around Cleadon Park on Tuesday (15 November). The one hour walk starts at 10am but places are limited and need to be booked. To book a place call 0191 427 1818.

A Health and Wellbeing Drop In will be held on Wednesday at Jarrow Focus Library between 10:30am and 12:00pm where people can find out more about the five-a-day message for health and happiness.

BLISS=Ability will be delivering a Keeping Active session next Wednesday between  12:30pm and 1:30pm where people can find out about the health benefits of exercise. To book a place on this session please contact Angela Dunn on 0191 4271666 or email angela.dunn@blissability.co.uk

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: "We are living through challenging times at the moment so it's important to take care of both our bodies and our minds.

"There are five simple steps you can take which will improve your health and happiness. These are being active, connecting with others, taking notice, learning and giving. By incorporating these into our daily routine, we can all enjoy happier, and healthier lives."

The Council is calling for more people to sign up to become a better u champions to help improve the health, wellbeing and happiness of their family, friends and communities. The a better u Health and Wellbeing Champions are a group of volunteers who live and/or work across South Tyneside who share information and offer the latest advice and support to their families, friends, colleagues and communities. They also attend events to help share useful information to community groups and members of the public.

Councillor Hetherington added: "Our health and wellbeing is affected by everything around us. It's not just about keeping our bodies fit and healthy, but our minds too. We want to give South Tyneside residents everything they need to feel healthier and happier, look after their physical and mental health and wellbeing and make it as easy as possible to take the best care of themselves and others. If it affects any part of your health and wellbeing, we want to give you the tools to tackle it."

 To sign up to become an a better u champion, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/abetteru or email abetteru@southtyneside.gov.uk or find out more on Facebook @AbetterUsouthtyneside or Twitter at @Become_AbetterU