Five to Thrive is a national initiative to promote positive mental health and general wellbeing. Based on latest research by the UK government, five key things were identified that promote wellbeing and make life happier and more fulfilling.
In City and Hackney, Five to Thrive offers advice, suggested activities and local events that residents can access to maintain positive mental health and wellbeing through the five ways — connecting, being active, learning new things, giving, and taking notice. If you would like to find out more, download our leaflet for yourself, friends and family. You can find out further information on activities to support Five to Thrive by clicking the button below.
What is it?
This is a national initiative to promote positive mental health and general wellbeing.
Based on latest research by the UK government, five key things were identified that promote wellbeing and make life happier and more fulfilling.
In City and Hackney, Five to Thrive offers advice, suggested activities and local events that residents can access to maintain positive mental health and wellbeing through the five ways — connecting, being active, learning new things, giving, and taking notice.
We have also developed leaflets with ideas on activities and things you can do that can help you improve your wellbeing.
If you would like some leaflets for yourself, friends and family, you can download it here.
Connecting
Spending time with family, friends, people in our local community, work or school provides emotional support and also allows us to support them as well.
It contributes to a sense of belonging and reduces loneliness and isolation.
Having people around us that we trust, can rely on and who make us feel valued, can positively boosts our wellbeing, happiness and resilience.
So taking action to build, maintain and strengthen our relationships is so important.
We can support you to connect with others, such as joining a community group, coffee morning, lunch club, walking group or volunteering.
Reflection: Have you reached out, spoken to or spent time with someone today?
Being Active
Exercising and being physically active can boost our moods, help us manage stress, sleep and think better.
There are lots of simple things we can easily do to be active which does not cost money: walking, running, dancing, gardening, yoga — the list is endless and can all make a difference to how we feel!
Need help to get active? We can support you to join a free exercise class, walking group or gardening programme. Any small amount of exercise is beneficial.
Reflection: What exercise or activity will you do or have you done today to improve your wellbeing?
Learning New Things
Learning or experiencing new things can help build a sense of purpose, fulfilment, happiness and creativity whatever our age. “We are never too old to learn.”
Learning is not just for school but for life — it does not only mean formal learning, it also includes informal learning of topics or skills we are curious or passionate about. Reading is a good way to learn — and joining a library gives free access to books/audio-books and films too.
If you have suffered from mental illness, we can support you to access a range of free courses at the recovery college. Some colleges and the university also offer free courses for anyone to attend. You can also access free courses online, such as learning a new language, instrument, cooking courses, dressmaking, knitting and many more.
Passionate about arts and creativity? We can guide you to where you can learn to draw, sculpt or be artistic and provide you with tools to help you upgrade your skill level in filmmaking, design or coding.
Reflection: What is the one new thing that you have tried or learnt recently? What else can you try and learn this week?
Giving
When we help others or show kindness, it does not only make people happy, but it can also help us feel happier in ourselves.
It can boost our mood and create a sense of self-worth.
It helps us feel connected to others and helps us contribute to building a stronger community and a happier society for all.
Every act of kindness counts — from small acts like a friendly smile, a few kind words, helping with bags, offering up our seat to fundraising or other volunteering activities. It is not all about money – we can give our attention, time, knowledge, ideas or support.
Reflection: What act of kindness can you do or have you done today or this week?
Taking Notice
Live a life of mindfulness — paying attention to the present moment, can help us relax and enjoy the world around us.
Many of us live busy lives – finding ourselves multi-tasking or living life on autopilot with our minds going over the past instead of focusing on the present (what we are doing and experiencing, who we are with or what is around us).
There’s more to life when we stop and notice. For example, noticing the leaves dancing on a tree, a bird singing, the smell of new blossom, the colour of the sky or the flicker of a smile as someone passes by.
Take a few minutes a day to be grateful for the little things, meditate and reflect on your achievements.
Let’s Try It. Just pause right now and notice what is around you. What can you see, hear or smell? Now check in with how you are feeling right now. What sensations and emotions do you notice?
Reflection: Take a mindful pause with Mark Williams.
Free mental health advice for City residents and workers
‘Five to Thrive’ is a national campaign, which outlines five steps to improving mental health.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Ruby Sayed, said:
“The ‘Five to Thrive’ initiative is a fantastic way to plan your wellbeing and help you take advantage of all life has to offer.”
It outlines five every day, things that people can do to help improve their wellbeing by being active, connecting, taking notice, giving, and learning new things.
The ‘Five to Thrive’ steps are:
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The Square Mile has many free exercise classes on offer. And the City Corporation’s Active City Network offers a range of free support services to City workers and businesses to make active travel – like walking and cycling - easier.
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City libraries are free to visit, open to everyone, and have free WiFi. Most also have study spaces and are open until late in the evening.
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Take a walk through one of the Square Mile’s green spaces – and from gardens in the City, to commons and ancient woodlands across London. To discover green tranquil areas use the Hidden City Walking Map. To practise mindfulness, meditation, and other wellbeing activities, once every other week visit the Dragon Cafe in the City.
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Research has found a link between helping others and an increase in wellbeing.
Local charities, including food banks, will take donations. Volunteering is also a great way to give back to the community. City Connections Friends helps City residents to join activities and events across the Square Mile. You can also email corporatevolunteeringmanager@cityoflondon.gov.uk to hear about opportunities supported by the City Corporation. -
Family-friendly courses are available – including ones where parents and childrencan learn together. For more information visit the City Corporation’s Education and Learning web page.
The City Corporation’s Connecting Communities team also helps people find work placements, apprenticeships and employment, as well giving support with CVs, job applications, and interview preparation.
To sign up to the City Corporation’s free weekly email newsletter email cityresident@cityoflondon.gov.uk to subscribe.
Notes to editors:
The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
Support for Lesson planning
This section has some suggested lesson plans for teaching staff to use to promote good mental health for KS1 and KS3 pupils, and can be used as single lessons or as a set. Posters are available which can be downloaded and printed.
There are also resources for young people to link with local offers via Young Hackney as well as recommended free online apps.
Additional Information
Five to Thrive suggestions (Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest)
More information
Five to Thrive activities (Hackney Circle)
More information
Workout classes to boost your mood and meet some friends
More information
Ten top tips for leading a happier life
More information
Clubs and projects for young people
More information
Places to volunteer
More information
Adult education courses
More information