<\/p>\n
the project used a holistic approach to engage local older people through social interaction, physical activity, creativity, art and nature. The organisers recognise that as an ageing population it is very important that people assess their own wellbeing so that they can take steps to improve their chances of a longer \u2018health span\u2019 as they age.<\/h4>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Karen Healy, Environmental Officer, Creggan Country Park<\/strong> said,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe were delighted to be working with Compassionate Communities NI on this unique project. It has helped to highlight the importance of our connection to nature \u2013 to take care of nature we take care of ourselves and vice versa. Using nature as a tool, we helped create fun socialising opportunities outdoors so that participants could focus on mindfulness in order to reduce stress and improve mood and overall wellbeing. Feedback has been so positive, this is just the first of many sessions and we look forward to developing a wider project with Compassionate Communities NI.\u00a0We would like to say a massive thank you to our funder Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland<\/a> for making all this possible.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Compassionate Communities NI work to support people to live as well as possible until the end of life; they are acutely aware of the challenges facing older people who often manage multiple health concerns whilst juggling caring responsibilities for partners, ageing parents and grandchildren.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Susanne Bergin, Community Engagement Facilitator, said,<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2018Living well in later life is a compassion-based holistic programme that engages older people. The aim was for people to connect, be physically active in nature, get creative in art, and practice mindful and meditation. From the outset people were encouraged to reflect on what is important for them to live a fulfilled life because a life lived with purpose and connection is important for people to live well right up to end of life.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sharon Williams, Project Manager, Compassionate Communities NI<\/strong>, praised the work of the partnership,\u00a0\u2018This has been a wonderful project to be a part of. \u00a0It has demonstrated the therapeutic value in connecting with nature\u00a0and how this promotes healthy ageing; hosting the project in the heart of our local community also helped promote community assets such as Creggan Country Park.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/compassionatecommunitiesni.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Karen-with-lavender-300x240.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/compassionatecommunitiesni.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Ssuanne-and-ppt-300x240.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n
\n
\nFeedback<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/compassionatecommunitiesni.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Session-1-c-300x144.jpg\")
<\/h4>\n\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Wheel of life\u00a0 – helps us see what really matters to us individually<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/compassionatecommunitiesni.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Session-1-b-300x200.jpg\")
Holisitic approaches help us stay well<\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/compassionatecommunitiesni.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Session-4-3-300x200.jpg\")
Loved mindfulness and meditations<\/h4>\n\u00a0<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/compassionatecommunitiesni.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC_9923-copy-300x200.jpg\")
<\/h4>\n\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Reconnected with my childhood love of painting<\/h4>\n
\u00a0<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/compassionatecommunitiesni.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Session-3-4-200x300.jpg\")
<\/h4>\n\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Better coping mechanisms<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/compassionatecommunitiesni.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Session-4-2-300x200.jpg\")
<\/h4>\n\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Mental Health First Aid \u2013 this helped lots<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/compassionatecommunitiesni.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/DSC_9920-copy-300x200.jpg\")
<\/h4>\n\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Nature Therapy \u2013 getting outdoors doing mindfulness was great<\/h4>\n
\u00a0<\/h4>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/compassionatecommunitiesni.com\/app\/uploads\/2023\/05\/bio-diversity-planing-300x240.jpg\")
<\/h4>\n\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Art Sessions \u2013 Out doors \u2013 connecting with nature and being creative<\/h4>\n