We all know it’s important to eat well and stay active to keep our bodies healthy. But looking after our mental wellbeing is just as important.
In Brent, we encourage residents to follow the 5+1 Ways to Wellbeing — six simple steps you can take each day to boost your emotional and mental wellbeing.
The 5+1 Ways to Wellbeing
Try to include these six actions in your daily routine:
- Connect – Stay in touch with friends, family, neighbours, or your community.
- Be active – Move your body in a way that feels good to you: walk, dance, garden, cycle – whatever works for you.
- Take notice – Pause and take in your surroundings. Notice how things make you feel.
- Keep learning – Learn something new or take up an old hobby. It could be cooking a new recipe, reading a book, or trying a new skill.
- Give – Do something kind for someone else. Even small gestures can make a big difference.
- Create – Make or build something that brings you joy. It could be art, music, writing or even DIY.
Watch the short ‘MECC in a Minute’ video to learn more about the 5+1 ways:
What Can I Do in Brent?
There are lots of local activities to help improve your wellbeing. Many are free and a great way to meet new people.
Why not try:
- Visit your local library - Find your nearest library
- Join the Belonging Project - If you feel lonely or isolated, this service helps you connect with others in Brent. Find out more
- Learn new skills with Brent Start - Explore courses
- Get help finding a job or apprenticeship - Jobs and skills support
- Try a new hobby or personal development course - Free lifestyle courses
- Get moving at our outdoor gyms or local fitness activities. Find an outdoor gym - Browse local activities
- Join a free outdoor exercise class - Our Parks Brent sessions
- Read something uplifting - Reading Well books
- Go for a walk or join a walking group - Walking routes and clubs
- Get outdoors and meet others - Find a park or green space
- Learn more about your local area - Museum and archives events
Where to Get Support
If you are struggling, you’re not alone. There are many free services that can help.
- CNWL Mental Health Services - Explore NHS mental health support
- Bereavement support - Cruse Bereavement - CNWL Talking Therapies
- Good Thinking – A free online tool for managing stress, anxiety, low mood and more - Visit Good Thinking
- MECC Link – A hub of support services across London- Find mental health services
Need to Talk to Someone?
Talking helps. If you’re feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed, reach out to one of these free services:
- NHS 24/7 crisis support - Get urgent mental health help
- Samaritans – Call 116 123 - Visit Samaritans
- Shout – Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 - Visit Shout
- Papyrus – For under 35s, call 0800 068 4141 - Visit Papyrus
- CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably, call 0800 58 5858- Visit CALM
- The Silver Line – For over 55s, call 0800 4 70 80 90 - Visit Silver Line
- Brent Talking Therapies – Free NHS support, no GP referral needed - Self-refer now
- Brent Mind – Support for all levels of mental health need - Visit Brent Mind
- Ashford Place – A welcoming space offering wellbeing support - Visit Ashford Place
- 24/7 NHS Mental Health Access Line – Call 0800 0234 650 or email: cnw-tr.spa@nhs.net
Support for Professionals and Volunteers
If you work or volunteer with people in Brent, you may be eligible for free mental health training:
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Two-day training courses are available for those working with adults or young people (aged 8–18).
Register your interest or email: sandy.youngson@brent.gov.uk
Thrive London – Free online training and resources:
Thrive London is a citywide public mental health partnership to ensure all Londoners have an equal opportunity for good mental health and wellbeing. They offer a range of online self-directed training and other resources. Including:
