5 Ways to Wellbeing

Welcome to the 5 Ways to Wellbeing!
At The Red Shed, we embrace the 5 Ways to Wellbeing framework to support mental health and promote happiness for everyone who visits. This simple yet effective guide helps our folk incorporate small, meaningful actions into their everyday lives to improve their overall wellbeing.

We believe the principles align perfectly with our mission to provide a nurturing space for those living with dementia, their carers and families; 

◊ Connect ◊ Give ◊ Notice ◊ Be Active ◊ Keep Learning ◊

Read on as we explore how The Red Shed brings each of the ‘5 Ways’ to life in our garden;

Connect

• Building Connections: Shared stories, gardening, and quiet moments foster purpose and belonging.
• Tea & Biscuits: Every session starts with a welcoming space to relax and connect.
• Community Support: A space for carers to find companionship, share experiences, and feel less isolated.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Connections boost confidence, belonging, and create lasting emotional support.

Give

• Sharing the Garden: A collaborative space where everyone contributes to something beautiful, fostering a sense of purpose and togetherness.
• Pride in Growth: Blooming flowers and thriving produce stand as a testament to the hard work and care of the group, instilling pride and accomplishment.
• Giving Back: Participants can take home fruits, vegetables, or crafted items to share with loved ones bringing connection beyond the garden.
• Empowerment: These activities demonstrate that people living with dementia have so much to offer, showing their abilities to make meaningful contributions and enrich the lives of others.

Notice

• Appreciating Nature: Workshops encourage slowing down and noticing the garden’s beauty.
• Engaging Senses: Scented herbs and buzzing wildlife evoke memories and spark curiosity.
• Moments of Joy: Small acts of noticing lift spirits and foster warm conversations.
• Carers’ Perspective: Witnessing loved ones’ joyful moments strengthens bonds and provides comfort.

Be Active

• Health Benefits: Gardening boosts physical confidence and improves balance and stability.
• Adaptable Activities: Options like seated gardening ensure everyone can participate.
• Carers’ Wellbeing: Physical activity reduces stress, improves mood, and offers time outdoors.
• Holistic Fitness: Staying active benefits both body and mind for carers and participants alike.

Keep Learning

• Endless Opportunities: Trying new activities and crafts not only promotes brain health and self-esteem but also proves that learning never stops, regardless of a dementia diagnosis.
• Carers’ Growth: Carers can also grow by learning practical tips, gaining insights into dementia, and building a supportive network.
• Shared Learning: Workshops foster a sense of community, where people with dementia, carers, and families learn and explore together, creating shared moments of discovery.
• A Sense of Achievement: Learning new skills enriches experiences, builds confidence, and creates lasting memories, showing that everyone has the potential to grow.

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.