How to Use the Five Ways to Wellbeing in Health and Social Care

The Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple, evidence-based actions supported by the NHS and health organisations across the UK. These five actions—Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give—offer practical methods to support mental health and overall wellbeing in everyday life. They are easily woven into health and social care settings, supporting both individuals and staff members.

Using these five actions, you can create a more positive environment. They build resilience and help people manage stress. Each action brings specific benefits, though often the best results come from a mix of them all.

Connect

Building good relationships with others is a central part of positive mental health. In a health and social care setting, connecting is more than conversation—it means forging genuine connections with individuals, families, carers, and colleagues.

You can encourage connections in the following ways:

• Greet people with eye contact and a friendly smile
• Listen actively and show interest in what others say
• Take time to check in with staff during a shift
• Support clients to reconnect with family or friends if relationships have drifted

Relationships built on trust and understanding help people feel valued and less isolated. In care homes, for example, group activities such as quizzes or shared meals can nurture connections. In home care, short chats with clients about their day can make a huge difference.

For colleagues, regular team meetings where everyone has the chance to speak can strengthen bonds within the team and create a culture of openness.

Supporting people to connect outside of the service is just as important. Suggest community groups, online activities, or support networks if in-person options are limited. Isolation can have a big impact on wellbeing, so helping people rebuild social ties matters.

Be Active

Physical activity is closely linked with wellbeing. It need not involve gyms or intense workouts. In care settings, even small amounts of movement can bring positive effects—better mood, less anxiety, and improved physical health.

Opportunities for being active can include:

• Gentle exercises like seated stretches or chair yoga
• Short walks in the garden or local park
• Dance sessions, even if seated
• Games such as skittles or balloon keepy-uppy

For some, helping with everyday tasks like setting the table or tidying up adds activity. It’s about finding safe, enjoyable ways that suit each person’s abilities and preferences. For people who struggle physically, adapting activities keeps them inclusive.

Encourage staff breaks to include a short walk or simple exercises. This can reduce stress and re-energise the team.

If you work with clients who aren’t confident moving, reassure them. Start small, give encouragement, and celebrate progress. For instance, someone might walk a few more steps each week.

Take Notice

Taking notice is about paying attention to the present moment. Being aware of what is going on inside you and around you helps people recognise their feelings, understand themselves better, and appreciate life’s small pleasures. This is sometimes called “mindfulness”.

In health and social care, you can encourage taking notice by:

• Pausing during activities to appreciate sights, sounds, or smells
• Asking people to notice how their body feels during exercise
• Reflecting on positive moments at the end of the day
• Bringing in nature (flowers, plants, seasonal changes) for people to experience

Staff can take notice by being aware of workplace stress, looking for early signs of burnout, or sharing daily successes. Encourage reflection after challenging situations: “What went well? What was tough? What would I do differently next time?”

Supporting residents or clients to notice small, positive things—such as the way sunlight moves across a room or the taste of a favourite food—can improve mood.

Involve families by suggesting mindfulness activities at home. These might be mindful colouring, gentle breathing exercises, or sensory activities.

Keep Learning

Learning is not limited to formal education. Keeping the mind active supports cognitive health, boosts self-confidence, and can prevent feelings of stagnation.

You can create learning opportunities in health and social care through:

• Puzzles, games, or quizzes during group sessions
• Teaching new skills such as using a tablet to video call loved ones
• Sharing news articles and discussing current events
• Encouraging people to try arts and crafts or cooking recipes
• Showing interest in clients’ hobbies and facilitating them

Staff may benefit from short courses, attending workshops, or sharing their knowledge with colleagues. Supporting continued professional development helps keep enthusiasm high and skills current.

If someone cannot attend classes, online resources or TV documentaries can keep minds active. Even simple acts—such as learning a new joke or fact—can be rewarding.

Learning supports a sense of purpose and achievement for everyone.

Give

Giving is about doing something for others. It might be a kind word, a smile, a favour, or volunteering. Acts of kindness have a big impact on wellbeing, both for the person giving and the person receiving.

Ways to give in health and social care settings include:

• Helping clients make cards or crafts for someone special
• Giving praise and thanks to colleagues for their hard work
• Organising fundraising activities for a local cause
• Sharing baked treats during break time
• Supporting residents to help each other—such as setting out chairs or welcoming newcomers

Encourage clients to identify small acts they can do during their day. Even those with limited mobility or communication can often give in some way—listening to others, sharing stories, or offering encouragement.

For staff, giving might mean covering a shift, offering emotional support, or sharing resources with a colleague. Acts of kindness boost morale and strengthen team spirit.

Making It Work in Everyday Practice

Bringing the Five Ways to Wellbeing into daily routines does not have to be time-consuming or expensive. You can fit most actions into existing schedules with creative thinking. For the best results:

• Listen to what individuals need and enjoy
• Adapt activities for different abilities, ages, or preferences
• Make the Five Ways visible—display posters, offer reminders, discuss in meetings

Simple ideas include:

• “Wellbeing minutes” at the start or end of meetings
• Daily or weekly challenges (for example, “Connect with someone you haven’t spoken to for a while”)
• Sharing positive outcomes in a “wellbeing wall” or newsletter

Families and carers should be involved where possible. Share ideas with them so positive habits continue outside the service.

Overcoming Barriers in Health and Social Care Settings

Some people may not engage straight away. There are several common challenges:

• Physical limitations may make certain activities harder for some people
• Language, communication, or cognitive difficulties can affect participation
• Workload pressures can limit staff time or energy for extra tasks

Ways to respond include:

• Breaking down activities into smaller, manageable parts
• Using pictures or objects to support understanding
• Pairing people up for buddy activities
• Rotating staff responsibilities to spread the load

Finding creative, achievable ways for everyone to take part is valuable. Celebrate small improvements and encourage ongoing feedback from everyone involved.

Supporting Staff Wellbeing

Staff wellbeing is equally important. If staff feel good, this leads to better care for clients. Managers can support their teams by:

• Offering regular breaks and ensuring time off is taken
• Encouraging open conversations about stress or pressures
• Setting up peer support groups or buddy schemes
• Recognising hard work with praise and rewards

Staff can support their own wellbeing by using the Five Ways in their own routines. For example, going for a walk at lunchtime (Be Active), learning a new work skill (Keep Learning), or simply saying “thank you” (Give).

Examples of the Five Ways in Action

Case Study: Residential Care Home

Staff at a residential home for older adults use the Five Ways every week:

• Monday: Group coffee morning (Connect)
• Tuesday: Gentle movement exercises (Be Active)
• Wednesday: Gardening club—planting and observing flowers (Take Notice)
• Thursday: Baking and craft sessions (Keep Learning)
• Friday: Writing letters to schoolchildren or community groups (Give)

Residents look forward to these routines. Staff report less stress, more laughter, and a sense of shared achievement.

Case Study: Home Care Support

A support worker visiting clients at home fits the Five Ways into visits:

• Chatting with each client about their hobbies (Connect)
• Encouraging a stroll to the post box (Be Active)
• Noticing the weather and talking about it (Take Notice)
• Teaching a client how to use a radio app (Keep Learning)
• Supporting a client to call a friend in need (Give)

This keeps visits meaningful and supports each client’s wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

The Five Ways to Wellbeing offer a simple, flexible approach. By weaving these actions into everyday practice, you can create a happier, healthier environment for all. Whether supporting clients or looking after your own mental health at work, small steps add up to big benefits. The Five Ways work best when people feel involved, listened to, and supported on every level. Give them a try and notice the improvements for yourself.