WoW Newsletter: May 2022

Welcome to the Wheel of Wellbeing (WoW) — a simple framework designed to improve health, happiness and wellbeing by focusing on six areas — Body, Mind, Spirit, People, Place and Planet. This monthly newsletter provides a roundup of the latest tips, activities, research and resources to inspire better health and wellbeing. Tap into them — for yourself, your families, workplaces, schools and communities — and help create a happier world for us all!

“All things are connected like the blood that unites us. We do not weave the web of life; we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.”
Chief Seattle

This month we focus on the external aspects of the wheel and how our connections with the ‘Three P’s’ of People, Place and Planet shape and support not only our wellbeing but also the wellbeing of the planet and everyone on it.

WoW Publication

We are pleased to announce that a recent evaluation of the impact of community training using the Wheel of Wellbeing has been published in the Health Promotion Journal of Australia. The review provides evidence that participating in the WoW can have a positive impact on our general wellbeing, our behaviour, knowledge and understanding of wellbeing.

WoW Days of the month

Why not use these inspiring international days to create a focal point for wellbeing activities in your school, workplace or community?

9-15th May – Mental Health Awareness Week UK

“One in four adults feel lonely some or all of the time. There’s no single cause and there’s no one solution. After all, we’re all different! But, the longer we feel lonely, the more we are at risk of mental health problems. Some people are also at higher risk of feeling lonely than others.”

Mental Health Foundation UK

The Mental Health Foundation has announced that this years theme is “Loneliness”. Loneliness is an issue which affects many of us and is closely linked to our mental health. It has been a particularly big issue in recent years as a result of the Pandemic and the measures enforcing social isolation.

22nd May – International Day for Biological Diversity

“As we encroach on nature and deplete vital habitats, increasing numbers of species are at risk. That includes humanity and the future we want.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres

This year’s theme for Biodiversity Day is “Building a shared future for all life”. From nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can all build back better.

If you have you ever wondered what you can do for biodiversity, check out these 22 ideas for taking action and explore a range of free, fabulous downloadable resources.

15th -21st May – International Families Week

“Families are society’s most important building block. Strong families equate to strong communities because they embody caring for others, connectedness with people, and providing hope, support, and comfort.”
Dr Brian Babington, CEO Families Australia

The International Day of Families was established by the United Nations in 1993 to raise awareness of issues faced by families throughout the world. This annual event provides a way to highlight the important role that families hold in communities and raises issues that can affect families. Australia celebrates National Families Week with the theme “Stronger Families Stronger Community”. You can register an event and request resources here and explore resources for the classroom here.

26^th May – National Sorry Day

In Australia, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.

27^th May – 3^rd June National Reconciliation Week

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians — individuals, families, communities, organisations and government —to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians. Download your digital resources here.

Watch these: The Health Benefits of Laughter and the 'Family Five a Day'

Learn about the surprising health benefits of laughter in this short video from the Mayo Clinic.

Do you know how long the average British family spends together each day? Find out in this delightful talk by a mother and her young daughter on their ‘family five a day’ — based on the original ‘5 ways to wellbeing’!

Great Articles & Websites

Connecting kids and nature
The National Wildlife Federation offers some great health benefits and tips to help balance ‘screen time and green time’ and encourage children to connect to the natural world.

    ‘A Garden for Every Child Reconnecting Children to Nature’
With so many families starting gardens at home, this free curriculum guide from the Compost Research and Education Foundation is for teachers, parents and anyone who wants to introduce young children to the joys of gardening, the benefits of compost and the scientific wonders of what is growing in our soils.

   The Benefits of composting
Get a composting ‘cheat sheet’ and discover the 15 benefits of composting for the environment, the economy and our communities.

  What is biodiversity and why does it matter to us?
A beautifully illustrated and shockingly thought-provoking article by the Environment editor of ‘The Guardian’.

Family Connect is a fantastic resource for families to practice listening, appreciation, emotional and self-responsibility skills through having meaningful conversations. Each new conversation introduces new skills and techniques that build upon each other.

Need help?

Image by skeeze from Pixabay

Concerned about the health and safety of yourself, family or friends?

If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national 24-hour Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. You can get the latest updates here: government advice on Coronavirus
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis: Lifeline Australia or phone 13 11 14
visit Beyond Blue to access their Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service

Financial difficulties?

Click here for information on the government’s latest coronavirus financial support.

I’m FREE!

Please feel free to use all or parts of this newsletter for your websites, blog, social media, newsletter or other communications to inspire your group members

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Supported by the Queensland Mental Health Commission