Charles Wilson Centre coffee morning
A social group that met for coffee, exercise and also health talks.Benefit of social activities
Connecting with others is one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, five evidence-based actions which can improve personal wellbeing. Social connectedness has a strong positive impact on both physical and mental health. Increased social connectedness is linked to reduced mortality risk, healthier lifestyles and higher cognitive functioning. Socially well-connected people are more resilient, feel more able to take charge of their lives and less stressed. Older adults that are socially connected experience increased life satisfaction.
Location
Charles Wilson Centre/ New Testament Church of God
1 Tamerton Drive
Manchester
M8 0DH
Project team
New Testament Church of God
Buzz Health and wellbeing
Aim
buzz were contacted by Sharon Thomas who runs the Charles Wilson centre, she was looking to have a health presence at her coffee morning and talk to people about their health and services. The idea was to engage with the group members about their health such as diabetes, weight management, cholesterol, mental health and exercise. As well as engage them around what they wanted to see in the community and to signpost to services that they could use.
Evaluation
buzz Neighbourhood Worker Charlie spoke with around 15 people engaging with them around their health and wellbeing and their communities. They were invited back to further events. The coffee morning is ongoing but also on hold due to COVID-19.
Strategic links to local/national policies
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Benefit |
Policy |
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Social inclusion |
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Enabling resilient communities |
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Increased mental wellbeing |
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Helping people live healthier lives |
Healthy Lives, Healthy People (MH Government, 2010) The Manchester Locality Plan – A Healthier Manchester |
Research/evidence base
Global Council on Brain Health (2017) - The Brain and Social Connectedness
Ministry of Social Development (2018) - The measurement of social connectedness and its relationship to wellbeing
New Economics Foundation (2008) – Five ways to wellbeing
Oliver Huxhold, Martina Miche, Benjamin Schüz. (2014) Benefits of Having Friends in Older Ages: Differential Effects of Informal Social Activities on Well-Being in Middle-Aged and Older Adults, The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 69, Issue 3, Pages 366–375.
Umberson, D. & Montez, J. K. (2010) Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior. 51(S) S54–S66.
Contact
Charlee Fitzgerald - Neighbourhood Health Worker
Charlee.Fitzgerald@gmmh.nhs.uk
T: 07771 805 278
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“I started buzz's PARS pilates classes after I had a stroke, they have been amazing! These classes have continued on Microsoft Teams during lockdown.”
Local Wythenshawe resident attending PARS exercise classes