Creative planning for wellbeing in 2023

Feeling better is often the top of our new year resolutions, especially as the winter blues continue. To help bring hope and peer-support in these gloomy times Moray Wellbeing Hub Champions, people who have lived experience of life challenges and use these to create change, met in December to try out a new approach to wellness planning.

CHIME for Wellbeing is a creative workshop experience led by those who use the approaches in their own lives. In the session the facilitators and participants explore wellness planning tools, share ideas and support, explore self-management and create a plan for crisis. It sounds very serious but there was so much laughter and joy, especially in using some of the creative methods!

“Really loved the playfulness and time for creative expression.”

“A lovely supportive space –Nice to hear ideas from others and a few lightbulb moments.” Feedback from session.

Recognising that people are experts on themselves, participants learn about mental health recovery in a creative, relaxed atmosphere. The approach can work with all ages; however, the December workshop was an adult learning space, especially as it was a trial.

The course introduced SWAP the Staying Well Action Plan that helps you to take more control of your life and wellbeing. It helps you to learn more about yourself, which can then help you make plans to cope with difficult situations and regain, and maintain, your connection, hope, identity, meaning and empowerment (CHIME). All key in having wellbeing.

SWAP is a new approach developed by people in the Scottish Borders, both those in NHS Borders and who used this to help manage their health. The Staying Well Action Plan is proving an effective tool to help individuals to take control of their self-care and wellbeing and will support to live the life they want to lead. It is hoped that people from Moray who want to improve their mental health and manage any long-term condition, life challenge as well as people who offer support like carers or parents, will benefit from attending.

“We used to run a course called WRAP which was really popular in Moray, and SWAP is like the improved version.” Explains facilitator Heidi Tweedie, “getting the chance to try this new approach with Champions was a great first step. We can’t wait to get more Moray folk involved in coming to new courses!”

CHIME for Wellbeing will be delivered as part of the Moray Wellness College early in 2023 and spaces will be fully funded. To note your interest in the course or when booking opens, visit www.moraywellbeinghub. org.uk/wellness-college or contact the friendly MWH admin team for support to book by email (hello@moraywellbeinghub.org.uk), Facebook, or telephone (Answer Phone: 01343 576219).