Mental Well-being: Taster Sessions

Relationship building day

Residents from Redbridge Foyer and Focus E15, enjoyed a day at Alton Towers theme park. Young people were put into groups with people they did not already know and worked in teams to promote relationships and friendship building. The idea was to give young people a chance to bond and meet new people and keep up these new found friendships. As well as promoting Mental Well-being this activity promoted Physical Activity as the young people were outdoors, walking and orienteering all day. Photos will be posted soon.

What did Redbridge Foyer's young people think of the Relationship building day?

"It taught me not to judge people on the way they look."
"I will now be more open and friendly to newcomers."
"The day helped to improve my confidence when meeting new people."

In fact, the residents loved the day out so much that they asked for more social events. So, inter-Foyer Olympic games are being organized with other East Potential Foyers, to reinforce relationships and give the young people another opportunity to make new friends.

"It is important to incorporate informal education into their learning. We (the staff) really notice skills the young people have through this kind of informal learning, that we wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. People’s personalities really shine through when they do what they enjoy doing instead of what they’re told to do, and we find out more about the young people if they feel at ease and can express themselves". Georgina English, Senior Foyer Support Worker, Redbridge Foyer.

Glass decorating

Yeovil Foyer residents enjoyed creating some lovely gifts for their nearest and dearest in time for Christmas last year. Photos will be posted soon.

Redbridge Foyer residents also expressed themselves through creative art and crafts to improve their mental well-being.

What did Redbridge Foyer's young people think about decorating glass?

"I now know how to relax and express myself using art."
"I will allow my child to use art."
"I will take my time and practice to improve my art."

Indian Head massages

Nicola Lee, project worker and Health Champion at Market Rasen Foyer regularly gives Indian head massages to residents. It has proven very successful. Residents regularly book sessions with her and it has helped them relax and sleep better.

How can an indian head massage help you? Click here to find out:
http://www.worldwidehealth.com/health-article-The-Benefits-of-Indian-Head-Massage.html

Playing musical instruments

Sound Links, a local music company, has been going to Market Rasen Foyer every Friday to teach residents how to play musical instruments. The Foyer has its own little studio and instruments, and the young people have been learning to play the drums, the guitar and the keyboard and have even written their own songs! After a lot of practice, they are now ready for their performance at Lincoln College this month.

Learn about the benefits of playing a musical instrument by clicking here:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/19535.php

Feeling good about yourself

Self-esteem workshops were held at Leominster Foyer to help female residents achieve their life-coaching goals.

Here are just some of the results from this session for Leominster Foyer residents:

• Two pregnant residents are getting into swimming and yoga to prepare them for childbirth


• One male resident has invested in his interest for fishing


• Another male resident is part of a Darts team. It has been a huge step for his mental well-being as it is getting him out of the Foyer and involved in the community, improving his self-esteem and confidence


• Another resident took part in the homeless world cup trials and used the money to buy astro turf boots and shin pads

The workshop was so successful that another Foyer has been trialing it to see whether or not it could be passed on to other organizations!

The Clothes Show

Coventry Foyer held an activity to promote positive self-esteem, improve confidence and provide a 'feel good experience'.

What did Coventry Foyer residents think of the Clothes Show?

"It made me feel better about myself."
"It inspired me to pump up and work out!"

Sexual Health

High on the agenda at Yeovil Foyer, these regular drop-in sessions give residents the chance to talk to a qualified member of staff, get a Chlamydia testing kit, condoms and advice, all free of charge.

Redbridge Foyer also had a HIV/AIDS Awareness Information Week which provided residents Photos will be posted soon.

"It was really interesting to learn about the young people’s views and perceptions of HIV/AIDS. Many thought HIV/AIDS was only transmitted through gay sex. This awareness week gave staff the opportunity to challenge the young people’s views and to refresh their knowledge and education on sexually transmitted diseases". Georgina English, Senior Foyer Support Worker, Redbridge Foyer.