Well- ing
Health and Wellbeing has been defined by the World Health Organisation as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity’ (World Health Organisation, 1948,1986)
According to Coburn and Wallace (2011, p:73),
'youth work is well placed to respond to health issues where the aim is for young people to develop their own responses to the range of everyday experiences that impact on their capacity for good health'.
Therefore the 7 elements of well-being align to the practices of working with young people in a youth work setting. Youth work creates relationships between youth workers and young people and helps them encourage physical and emotional well-being.
'Each child is unique and there is no set level of wellbeing that children should achieve. Wellbeing is influenced by children's individual experiences and changing needs as they grow.'
There are lots of opportunities to create wellbeing in a youth work setting. Young people are supported to try new activities, support their peers, and challenge themselves. Youth groups can offer a huge range of activities including sports, arts, gaming, crafts, outdoor pursuits, coding, workshops, drama, cookery and much more! The youth work ethos is to encourage participation, encourage each other and learn whilst having fun.
‘Regular physical activity provides young people with substantial physical, mental and social health benefits…. It facilitates developing the skills of movement and helps prevent and control the feelings of anxiety and depression’
(World Health Orgainsation 2003, p.4)
NHS 5 Steps to Mental Well-Being
1. Connect with people
2. Be physically active
3. Learn new skills
4. Give to others
5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)