A unique wellbeing project called Mondays at the Museum has helped hundreds of Huddersfield people improve their mental health and wellbeing.
The project was developed in collaboration with Kirklees Council, Huddersfield Mission and over 20 local groups. The pilot project offers activities and support throughout the day at Tolson Museum, providing the perfect tonic to help people take care of their own mental health and wellbeing.
Tolson Museum is a supportive, relaxed environment. It has proved to be an ideal setting for individuals to connect to specialist services, agencies and professionals for their own health needs.
Activities include yoga, wellbeing walks, chair exercises, parent and child walk and talks, memories in a box, and support to stop smoking.
Edible gardens also provide a unique green experience. The council’s social prescribing team provide support to combat social isolation and loneliness.
Clr Musarrat Khan, Cabinet member for health and social care at Kirklees Council, said: “This pilot started in July and has supported 1,712 people up to September to access mental health and wellbeing services, activities and support at Tolson Museum.
“People continue to feel the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Working with our partners on initiatives like this can help us to tackle social isolation and improve residents’ mental health and wellbeing.
“Our Social Prescribing Link Workers are playing a key role in helping people manage their difficulties and access the support they need. I’m really pleased to see Mondays at the Museum have such a positive impact on the everyday lives of local residents.”
Social Prescribing Link Workers are based at Tolson Museum every Monday. They work alongside GP practices in Kirklees to offer free, non-clinical support to people struggling with their mental health.
For further information about Social Prescribing please visit: www.kirklees.gov.uk/personalised-care
