Self-care activities proven to boost North Kensington residents’ health and wellbeing
People who live or work in North Kensington and have been affected by the Grenfell Tower fire are being offered free access to Healthier Futures self-care activities.
Self-care is important for an individual’s health as it helps them to manage their life and look after their family better. The NHS has evidence to demonstrate self-care can boost an individual’s health and wellbeing*.
There are lots of free self-care activities on offer, all easily accessible to both individuals and families. These include exercise & wellbeing classes (boxing, women’s only boxing and yoga are popular choices), as well as cookery classes, health workshops and the Men’s Shed group. Sessions available for families include gardening and family coaching.
Two women in their 60s*, who experienced huge loss and loneliness, found joining one of the self-care classes (fitness and cookery, in their cases) transformative. Not only have their feelings of social isolation been reduced by meeting new people, their confidence levels have been boosted by the effects of exercise and learning a new skill.
Dr Meena Nathan, GP and NKR Clinical Lead says:
“Sometimes it’s easier to prioritise others rather than ourselves.
“One of the best things I can offer my patients is these free self-care activities. Not everything can be solved by medication alone. Healthier Futures gives people the chance to look after themselves for a change, by trying a new exercise or group activities. The opportunity to meet new people in a warm and welcoming environment is really beneficial – we have evidence to show these groups can really boost health, wellbeing and self-esteem.”
Hayley Turner, Primary Care & Social Prescribing Lead says:
“It can be a real challenge to put yourself first if you’re always worried about others, or paying the monthly bills.
“The beauty of the self-care activities that are a part of the Healthier Futures Programme is that they are easy to access and delivered by the local Voluntary and Community Sector. There are a wide range of activities available, so you could join an exercise class in the morning and then receive free debt and legal advice – all on the same day and on your doorstep!”
Residents can access the full range of Healthier Futures self-care activities by visiting www.grenfell.nhs.uk/selfcare, or speaking to their GP practice (who will signpost them to their service of choice).
