5 Ways to Wellbeing

Welcome to our page dedicated to the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing,’ a framework used by The Red Shed that is at the heart of everything we do. The ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ is a set of 5 simple yet powerful principals, which can make a profound difference to the lives and wellbeing of those living with dementia.

Connect-Be Active-Keep Learning-Give-Notice

We aim to incorporate all of these ‘5 Ways’ into each of our Garden Club sessions and record our results through our ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing Wheel’ – Our commitment to this ensures our folk not only feel supported but they also thrive, experiencing a greater sense of wellbeing and enjoying a better quality of life.

Connect – Memories may fade but the power of human connection remains profound – whether it’s sharing a story with loved ones, participating in activities or simply enjoying moments of companionship, staying connected offers a sense of belonging and purpose – contributing to reducing any feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Be Active – Dementia doesn’t have to hinder an active lifestyle – Gardening isn’t just a hobby, it’s a great way to get active and improve overall health and wellbeing! Regular activity in the garden helps improve fine motor skills to support coordination and control; this can lead to a boost in physical confidence, allowing folk to move more freely and safely while enhancing their sense of capability and independence. Did you know getting active in the garden enhances balance, reducing the risk of slips and falls, promoting greater stability. Even seated gardening offers significant benefits, engaging the upper body and offering gentle yet effective exercise. For those living with dementia, being active within your capabilities can vary greatly, but it remains crucial – Adapting activities can allow folk to continue to enjoy the rewards of an active lifestyle… all while getting a little Vitamin D boost in the garden! 

Keep Learning – The joy of learning knows no limits, so we embrace it at The Red Shed – keeping the mind engaged, exploring unfamiliar topics and mastering a new craft or activity not only promotes the brain’s health but can also instil a sense of accomplishment and boost positive self- esteem.

Give – The simple gift of giving can have an almighty impact – whether it’s the chance to share an idea, assist fellow gardeners or offer some inspiration – giving valuable contributions enables folk to feel useful, feel mutual support and boost one’s self-worth and overall wellbeing.

Notice – Notice holds a significant and magical importance within the garden – being present at The Red Shed allows folk to engage their senses, observe nature’s beauty and appreciate being in the moment, often resulting in a relaxed sense of calm with a hint of curiosity alongside it!

Our founder and CEO, Su Harvey, has recently worked alongside the University of Hertfordshire to share their insights with the ‘The Journal of Dementia Care’, highlighting the transformative impact the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ has had here at The Red Shed. We invite you to explore her publication to learn more about how these principals guide our work and bring meaningful benefits to our community here.