Patients and staff took part in a ‘Get Up and Go Day’ as part of a drive to promote the health and well-being benefits of physical activity in mental health.
Activities were arranged at the Assessment and Recovery Unit (ARU) at University Hospital Llandough, which provides care and support for older people with a mental health illness.
The event was organised to coincide with Dementia Awareness Week and Mental Health Awareness Week (16 – 22 May).
Patients at the ARU were invited to take part in gentle exercise classes and learn about the key benefits of regular exercise. They also received a taster session of Nordic Walking from Age Cymru’s Nordic Walking programme, a widely accessible activity available in the local area.
In addition, information was provided on the ‘Walk for Health’ programmes, a series of organised walks available across Cardiff and the Vale which offer support and social interaction.
The ARU provides care and support for older people with mental health illnesses including dementia, anxiety and depression. The Physiotherapy Team wanted to show patients who attend the unit the benefits of physical activity on mental health and wellbeing.
Physical activity has a huge potential to enhance our wellbeing, and just a short 10 minute walk can increase mental alertness, energy and positive mood. It can also improve the quality of life for people experiencing mental health problems.
Shirley Rees, Physiotherapy Technical Instructor, who organised the event said: “The recommended guidelines are two and a half hours of physical activity in a week which can be broken down into 30 minute achievable chunks.
“We wanted to work with our patients to show them that they don’t need to do intense physical activity to feel the benefits, as a short brisk walk is a great cardiovascular exercise.”
Lots of information was shared with participants, and some patients are now actively seeking to get involved with one of the programmes on offer in Cardiff and the Vale.
