Share Music 2024
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Share Music, the music-making workshop, is back again for 2024
Raise your hand if you love music, singing and having fun with like-minded people!!
If this is you, then you’ll love the Share Music break.
That’s right, Share Music is back in 2024. Changing from the previous February slot, this year’s break will take place 4th – 6th November and you’re all invited.
This fully accessible break is tailored to people with disabilities who enjoy music and wish to participate in exciting music-making alongside others. Everyone takes part, whether it’s playing an instrument, singing along, dancing, or thriving off the fun atmosphere. Participants spend time in groups writing and practising songs that contribute to an overall theme before coming together for a final grand performance.
The fun isn’t limited to music. Everyone will also have the option of taking part in an accessible adventure activity at the Calvert Exmoor centre; perhaps an adrenaline-filled abseiling, climbing or zip-wiring session, or maybe archery for a more relaxed experience.
The whole break is self-contained on one site in stunning North Devon, next to the beautiful Wistlandpound Reservoir on the edge of Exmoor National Park (with famous beaches a short drive away). It’s the perfect remote location to sing at the top of your lungs and play instruments loudly and proudly.
The two-night Share Music break will have this structure…
Monday, 4th November:
10.00 – 13.00 ARRIVALS AND WELCOME TO THE CENTRE, BRIEFINGs and introductions (There will be a secure location for guests to store luggage whilst housekeeping ready rooms) and select your activity for Tuesday
13.00 – 14.00 LUNCH IN THE DINING ROOM
14.00 – 15.30 MUSIC THEATRE SESSION
15.30 – 16.30 BREAK FOR drinks and moving into bedrooms
16.30 – 17.30 MUSIC THEATRE SESSion
18.00 DINNER IN DINING ROOM
20.00 – 21.00 IMPROMPTU MUSIC IN THE BARN (led by the Tutors)
Tuesday, 5th November:
8.30 BREAKFAST
9.30 – 12.30 CHOICE OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES or MUSIC WORKSHOPS
13.00 – 14.00 LUNCH IN DINING ROOM
14.00 – 17.30 MUSIC THEATRE SESSIONS
18.00 DINNER IN THE DINING ROOM
20.00 an EVENING CONCERT
Wednesday, 6th November:
8.30 BREAKFAST
9.00 – 10.45 MUSIC THEATRE SESSION
11.15 – 12.45 REHEARSING THE WHOLE PERFORMANCE
12.45 – 13.45 LUNCH IN THE DINING ROOM
13.45 – 14.45 THE PERFORMANCE (in the Acland Room)
15.00 DRINKS IN THE DINING ROOM and the sad Goodbyes
16.00 Check-out
Cost:
£365 per person – price is fully inclusive of everything including music workshops, accommodation, dining, activities and use of the centre’s facilities such as the swimming pool.
To book phone 01598 763221 and we’ll talk you through the booking process for Share Music 2024!
Could you be a new Calvert Exmoor Trustee?
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Could you become a new Trustee?
It’s an exciting time at Calvert Exmoor because, alongside introducing Jenny Young as Centre Director, the charity is keen to find new Trustees with a range of abilities and backgrounds, particularly people with disabilities.
Now is a key time for us to welcome individuals who have the energy and enthusiasm to refresh the board and take the charity forward.
We wish to embrace candidates from all sectors of society who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. This is a unique opportunity to help bring plans to life and see the positive impact through our guests.
Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that Calvert Exmoor achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity and ensure that Calvert Exmoor has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.
The Board is responsible for the performance of the charity, its culture and the charity’s compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees act as guardians of all of the charity’s assets, taking all due care over their security, deployment, and proper application.
Our Trustees act with all reasonable care, giving their time, energy, and skill to ensure our governance is of the highest possible standard. Board members have a collective responsibility, meaning Trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.
As a small charity, there will be times when the Trustees will need to be actively involved beyond board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise. Trustees may also take the lead on certain special projects, such as estate management.
Being a Trustee holds a lot of responsibility, so we would like to bring in new team members who can help share this responsibility and bring new life and perspective to the charity.
If you would like more information about becoming a Trustee for Calvert Exmoor, please view the Trustee Recruitment Pack…
Download Trustee Application Form
Introducing Jenny, new Centre Director of Calvert Exmoor
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Introducing Jenny, Centre Director
Please join us in welcoming Jenny Young as Centre Director at Calvert Exmoor.
Jenny relocated to North Devon in 2021 and joined Calvert Exmoor part-time in November 2022 as Head of Fundraising and Marketing, before embracing the Centre Director role.
This is a period of transition for the charity, as Jenny is taking the lead on a number of projects to heighten the centre’s fundraising and marketing efforts, enhance the guest experience, and assist with the recruitment of new Trustees to refresh the Board.
Jenny said: “I am thrilled to be part of the team making such a difference to people’s lives. Calvert Exmoor’s ethos of ‘what you CAN do that counts’ resonates strongly with me, and I’m excited to help more people enjoy the amazing facilities and services offered by the centre.
Like many others, we face staggering rising costs to operate, but this is a crucial time for the charity and we are determined to make a difference and continue long into the future.”
In her spare time Jenny spends time with her two dogs and is part of a local rowing club; most weekends you’ll find her out to sea with an oar.
A message from Peter Maggs, Chairman of the Trustees at Calvert Exmoor…
“I am very pleased to announce that Jenny Young has been appointed by the Board of Trustees as the new Centre Director of Calvert Exmoor.
Previously Jenny has held senior roles at destination management and cultural organisations including Head of Visitor Experience for Visit Birmingham/West Midlands Growth Company and Head of Visitor Economy and Inward Investment for Visit Leeds/Leeds City Council.
For the past five years, she has been Director of Development for Northern Ballet, raising over £1 million per annum in fundraising and supporting the company to achieve income targets of circa £9 million a year. This was alongside strategic support to other functions.
It has been a joy to see how quickly she has taken the centre in a new direction before stepping up to lead the management team. We all look forward to working closely with Jenny as Calvert Exmoor launches the delivery of its strategic plan.”
Voices of Exmoor & their continued support
It’s a pleasure to have the Voices of Exmoor choir fundraising for Calvert Exmoor at their concerts in 2022 and 2023. This wonderful group of singers is a mixed-voice community choir with a passion for singing to the public.
In September 2022, the group presented their Musical Journey, which consisted of classic choir favourites and the world premiere performance of an original song composed by the group’s creator. Money generated from this concert was shared between a selection of charities including Calvert Exmoor.
Now, in the spring and summer of 2023, they are back performing around Devon and Somerset. Once again, a share of the money they raise this year will be given to the charity.
A heartfelt thank you to the choir for choosing us as one of their charities to support. We look forward to their next fundraising concert, which is…
Something Old Something New performance – 26th May, 7.30pm
Held at The Tantivy in Dulverton (the Town Hall), tickets are just £10, available from their website or by email: voetickets@gmail.com
The programme will feature a mixture of classic favourites (something old) and some surprise pieces (something new). Their main repertoire includes modern/contemporary, classical, musical theatre, cabaret plus folk/trad music.
We’d highly recommend watching the Voices of Exmoor perform if you can.
Workplace Accessibility: How to Support Employees With Disabilities
There are many people in the world who live with a disability, may it be visible or not. Even with increased disability awareness, some individuals with disabilities may still experience discrimination or lack of support in the workplace.
Employing and supporting people with disabilities helps make workplaces more diverse, encouraging various perspectives and fostering a more inclusive environment. To ensure your organisation is fully supporting employees with disabilities and creating the right kind of workplace culture, take these tips into consideration.
Make Your Organisation Accessible
There are many things to consider when making your business accessible for all employees. For many individuals with disabilities knowing that their workplace understands and adapts tasks to their needs can feel very reassuring.
People who struggle with visual impairments may benefit from having documents in a larger print, braille, or easy read versions, and any online documents should be compatible for screen readers. This allows individuals to keep up to date and carry out tasks more easily.
Think about any accessibility needs people will require, such as:
- Ramps and lifts for wheelchair users
- Computer access
- Hearing loops
- Extra training
- Special aids and equipment
- Their commute to work
Knowing that all of these features are taken into consideration, it can make people with disabilities feel a lot more comfortable when in the workplace.
Modify Working Arrangements
Employees who have ‘invisible’ disabilities like ADHD, autism and dyslexia can also go unsupported. It’s important to remember that some may find loud noise, bright lights and patterns very triggering and difficult to work in.
To ensure these employees feel comfortable, you could offer them a space to work with plenty of natural lighting, a quiet room, noise cancelling headphones or allow them to work from home a few days a week.
As well as adjusting workplace arrangements, think about how your employees commute to work. Are they able to access public transport? If not, consider arranging transport to and from work or allow them to work from home where possible.
If your organisation often goes to events or meets clients externally, always ask if the property is accessible, this can help reassure other employees you are considerate of their requirements.
Make People With Disabilities Feel Welcomed
Starting a new job can be daunting for anyone, doubly so when you’re not sure how people are going to act around you. Going out of your way to make sure they are comfortable and all of their needs are taken care of can really make their day. Respecting everyone in the workplace is the bare minimum – enforce this by cultivating a culture of genuine inclusivity among your employees.
It is also important to make sure you include people with disabilities in all activities and tasks in the workplace. There may need to be some adaptations, but no one should ever feel like they cannot do something because of other people’s assumptions .
It is vital that all employees feel comfortable in their workplace and that people with disabilities feel as though they can ask for adaptations, instead of staying silent.
Disability Friendly Activities
Many inclusive organisations visit our site here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, which is brilliant for disabled friendly holidays in Devon, fun work trips and ice breakers. Our adventure activities, like abseiling, canoeing and orienteering (and much more) are accessible and great fun for everyone! Activities like these can be great team building exercises and ensure everyone can participate.
If your workplace loves to get involved and be adventurous, Calvert Trust Exmoor is the perfect place to visit – to book a visit, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us today!
How to Help People with Mobility Issues
Many of us may know or care for someone with mobility issues and will have seen how wider society is not always equipped to support them. Understanding the most productive ways to help people with mobility-related disabilities, whether it’s supporting them to maintain their independence or with daily activities, can be beneficial for everyone.
From giving them a sense of independence to adapting furniture, there are various ways to assist people with mobility issues.
Replace Furniture
If you have the means to do so, replacing furniture or introducing adaptive elements can be helpful for day-to-day navigation around the home.
High-raised Chairs
For many people who have limited mobility, using high-raised chairs and sofas is very beneficial. Most standard sofas and armchairs are low, making them more challenging to use due to less mobile joints and muscles. This is why high-sitting furniture is recommended and often found in various care environments.
Rails
Balance can also present a challenge for some. Rails around the house in necessary places like stairs and hallways can be useful for people with limited mobility that still enjoy and are able to move around.
For many individuals, knowing that there is support from the rails when they start to feel weak or unsteady can give them peace of mind as they know they have something that they can hold onto. Our accessible accommodation and facilities at Calvert Trust Exmoor, have a wide range of adaptive equipment available to make your stay with us more comfortable. You can find lots more information about our accessibility on our website.
Ramps and Stair Lifts
Many homes have steps up to the front and back doors, replacing these steps with ramps is brilliant for those with mobility difficulties and wheelchair users. Installing ramps can also help to facilitate independence.
It may be a practical idea to install a stair lift, this way individuals can safely get up stairs, with a lot more ease.
Brighten Up Dark Areas
A lot of homes have areas that don’t receive very much natural light. Making sure these areas as well as the rest of the house are well lit is very important for people’s safety. There are a range of ways to brighten up a space such as:
- Overhead lighting
- Table lamps
- Floor lamps
- Nightlights
LEDs are great for saving energy in the long term, all whilst boosting the brightness of your home and making sure everyone can move around safely and comfortably.
Encouragement and Support
Some people who experience mobility issues may become disheartened when they feel they can’t do something that others can. With the right adaptive equipment, this is simply not the case and being encouraged and supported by loved ones can really help improve their motivation and confidence. Encouraging your loved one no matter their endeavours can make them feel supported and allows them to know that you are there for them when things get tough.
Encouraging anyone and standing by them when things get challenging can really help their mental health as well as physical activity, as it reduces stress and the feeling of loneliness.
Activities
Physical exercise is important for everyone, especially those who might not move around as often as others. There are many at-home activities that can be great for getting your loved one moving around the house as best as they can.
Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor we offer disabled friendly holidays in Devon which are great for people with mobility issues as we have many supportive staff who will help you with all of our fun, accessible activities, including:
And more! We believe that there should be no limit for anyone; our activities are wheelchair-friendly and provide a great opportunity for everyone to get involved. Something super special about our centre, is that our instructors stay with you through every adventure, get to know you and allow your experience to be tailored specifically for you.
If you think Calvert Trust Exmoor is the perfect place for you to enjoy a holiday packed full of fun, accessible activities for everyone to enjoy, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!
4 Ways to Boost Self-Esteem as Someone With Disabilities
People with disabilities can be treated unkindly and unfairly by wider society, which can diminish feelings of self-esteem, leading to not wanting to be involved in any social activities and suffering from mental health.
What is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem refers to how we view ourselves and our worth as a person. When feeling pessimistic about your self-esteem, there are ways to boost it to make you feel happier and more content within yourself. Having positive feelings of self-esteem is when you are able to accept yourself. Acknowledging this is great, as it helps us see our strengths and weaknesses.
For a person with disabilities, there are added elements to self-esteem, including dealing with discrimination and stereotypes from society and additional pressures of trying to meet society’s impossible standards.
Tips To Boost Self-Esteem For People With Disabilities
Embracing higher self-esteem can be an ongoing process for many people, but there are several simple steps we can all take to help improve confidence and overall well being.
1. Set Realistic Goals
Everyone enjoys the feeling of completing a task. Doing this reduces limitations and negative feelings of guilt. Setting goals that are realistic reduces feelings of limitation and guilt for not being able to complete a task, helping boost your self-esteem.
For example, you may find it more difficult than your peers to retain information and knowledge about specific topics. This may mean that it is unrealistic for you to complete tasks in the same timeframe as others. Setting a realistic goal around how long it will take and the setbacks you may face allows you to have enough time to finish instead of getting overwhelmed and feeling you are not ‘good enough’.
2. Avoid Comparing Yourself With Others
Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to others. This is easier said than done; however, it will positively impact your self-esteem. Again, comparing ourselves can lead us to think we are not good enough, which is entirely wrong – everyone is unique.
Nowadays, it is so easy to compare yourself to others, with social media being the main culprit. It may not be someone’s looks or personality we compare, it could be their lifestyle. For example, a person with a locomotor disability may feel they cannot take part in everyday cycling, but they can take part in accessible cycling here at Calvert Trust Exmoor. There are many ways that activities can be adapted to assist your needs – usually, there is no one way to do things!
3. Appreciate Yourself
Appreciating yourself means acknowledging all the great things you do and have accomplished. A great way to appreciate yourself is by creating a list and writing down your strengths, including how your disability can be an advantage.
Many people enjoy keeping a diary or journal to help with this. Reading back through your entries can be a great way to appreciate yourself and how far you have come. It allows you to remind yourself that a couple of years ago, you dreamt of being where you are today – many people have said that doing this has increased their self-esteem, confidence and also improved mental health.
4. Participate in Confidence-Boosting Activities
Here at Calvert Trust Exmoor, we offer disabled friendly holidays in Devon. The activities we offer are designed to boost endorphins, reduce anxiety, depression and stress while increasing self-esteem, creativity and self-confidence. As well as this, they are fun and exhilarating for everyone to enjoy and participate in.
Spending time outdoors is a natural mood booster and can help relieve stress. It’s brilliant for everyone, especially for people with disabilities, as it allows you to feel more relaxed and lets your self-esteem and confidence blossom in a safe and judgement-free environment.
If spending time outdoors and participating in fun and exciting, accessible activities sounds like something you would enjoy, get in contact with us today and book a holiday of a lifetime here at Calvert Trust Exmoor.
The Best Ways To Stay Active As A Person With Disabilities
Taking part in exercise, even if it’s only a couple times a week, helps you to stay fit and healthy. There are even many ways to exercise in the comfort of your own home if going out isn’t for you.
It is important to go at your own pace and not push yourself too far. If you are unsure about what exercises you can do or what sort of activities are best for you then be sure to speak to your GP.
The Benefits of Physical Activity
Whatever your age, physical activity can help lead to a healthier and happier life, with both immediate and long term health benefits.
Keeping active can strengthen bones and muscles while also helping improve mental health by reducing stress, depression and anxiety. It also reduces the risk of developing some chronic diseases.
Physical Activities To Do At Home
Finding an accessible activity that works for you will help make staying active a more realistic and enjoyable part of your routine. There are several things you can try at home to get into the active spirit!
YouTube Workouts
YouTube offers a plethora of different types of workouts to suit everybody. Many workouts are adaptable and some come with adaptations on the videos for you to try out.
If you are looking for exercises to do that are specific to your needs, just search up workouts for the disability you have. There are many options from beginner to intermediate, so if you are new to this, there’s no need to worry.
YouTube workouts are great and easy to follow as they guide you through the various exercises, telling you exactly what to do, all in the comfort of your own home.
Join Live Online Classes
If you are someone who becomes more motivated to workout with others, but still enjoys completing workouts at home, this may be the perfect option for you.
Joining a live online class means you can not only workout with other people, but the fitness trainer can also give you tips and adaptations if you are struggling with an exercise. This is great as you can get feedback right there and then and correct your form or try out new exercises.
Going For A Walk
If workouts aren’t something you’re into, then going for a walk is a great option. Walking helps you to keep fit and healthy. Even if you just take a walk around the block for 10 minutes to start with and then build yourself up.
If you have a furry friend, taking them on walks may give you the motivation you need.
Not only is walking out in the fresh air good for physical health but also mental health. It allows you to take your mind off of things and relax. Many people put their earphones in and listen to their favourite playlist or podcast, which helps to relieve stress and anxiety.
Fortunately, Devon is blessed with beautiful countryside walks. We have discovered the best wheelchair friendly trails for you to enjoy.
Just Dance
Looking for something fun that will still get your heart rate up? Just Dance is the perfect blend of both. You can find Just Dance various gaming consoles like a Nintendo Switch and through an app on your phone.
If you enjoy a little competition, Just Dance is even better with loved ones. Battle it out with others and see who wins! Try and beat your score each time and see how much you improve.
With hundreds of dances and songs to choose from, you are guaranteed to have so much fun!
Activity Breaks & Holidays
If you’re ready to go a little further afield to get active and try new experiences, an adventure activity break is the thing for you.
Here at Calvert Exmoor, a Devon charity and trust, we offer a range of activities suitable for people with physical, learning, behavioural, and sensory disabilities. Many of our accessible activities and sports will inspire you to get active in ways you haven’t before!
From abseiling and climbing to archery, cycling and even horse riding, you certainly won’t have any trouble finding something exhilarating to get stuck into.
If you have any questions about staying with us or would like to book an accessible fun-filled adventure holiday, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with the Calvert Exmoor team.
5 Sensory Activities for Adults with Disabilities
5 Sensory Activities for Adults with Disabilities
Sensory activities are great for helping people with disabilities engage with their surroundings while creating a calm and relaxing environment. The aim is to help them feel safe and ease communication struggles by creating conversation starters.
Bonding with adults with disabilities in a way that is comfortable for them is so important as it helps them to feel accepted and improves their wellbeing.
Sensory activities for adults are activities that engage any of the five senses. For example, this could be as simple as using sight to read a book or look at colourful photographs, or even using the sense of smell when someone is cooking.
If you are struggling to think of activities to do with loved ones, then look no further, our guide will give you the top sensory activities to enjoy with the adults with disabilities in your life.
1. Homemade Playdough
Enjoy quality time together making and playing with playdough. There are many benefits that are involved with playdough, such as creating various different shapes which encourages individuals to think creatively and also strengthens their muscles and fine motor skills by using pinching, squeezing and pulling movements.
Playdough is great for engaging most of the senses, while doing this ask your loved one what they can feel, see, smell and touch.
2. Glow In The Dark Paint
Create a painting using glow in the dark paint. From the paint brush to the surface you are painting on, explore all the different textures used when creating your masterpiece. Once you are finished, turn all the lights off and see your artwork glow.
Lights and glow in the dark objects are great sensory experiences, and are often found in many sensory rooms. Glowing light can also allow people to feel calm and safe.
3. Play with a Busy Board
This hands-on activity is great fun for everyone. Busy boards are the ultimate sensory activity, a board covered with a selection of things you can touch, spin, press, open, close, turn and more!
They are great for enhancing a huge range of development skills such as fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, number recognition and problem solving skills.
4. Sensory Walks
A sensory walk is often a colourful or fun pathway that is used to explore different sensory experiences. They are great for improving motor skills, hand-eye coordination, balance and spatial awareness. Exploring and discovering new sights, sounds and textures helps adults with disabilities enjoy the environment they are in.
Even just going for a walk outside in the fresh air is great for stimulating senses. It allows you to discover new scenery, whilst getting a little bit of exercise in.
5. Hand Massage
Hand massages provide proprioceptive input which can help regulate the sensory system and help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This activity is a great way to relax and wind down for the day, especially just before bed time as it will calm the body from the busy day it has had.
Sensory Activities At Calvert Exmoor
As a Devon charity and trust, here at Calvert Exmoor, we offer a variety of different activities that are perfect for people of all ages who want to try a range of new sensory experiences, including:
* Abseiling
* Archery
* Climbing
* Cycling
* Horse and carriage riding
And many more! This brilliant range of indoor and outdoor activities guarantees fun and adventure whatever the weather.
Come and visit our site, where ‘it’s what you CAN do that counts’, and experience a trip like no other.
9 Free Apps to Help Cope with Anxiety
Feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed are not uncommon and should not go unaddressed. Many of us experience anxiety and stress, especially during times of uncertainty and change – but how can we manage these feelings and develop a more healthy mindset?
As a Devon charity and trust, here at Calvert Exmoor, we understand how important it is to address mental health struggles and support each other. There are several great apps and free resources to help you cope with anxiety and learn some skills to rest and relax the mind even when that feels like an uphill battle.
If you are experiencing more severe issues, please consult a mental healthcare professional.
The Best Free Apps For Anxiety
- Catch It
- Dare: Panic & Anxiety Relief
- Insight Timer
- Stress & Anxiety Companion
- iBreathe
- Self-Help for Anxiety Management (SAM)
- What’s Up?
- Rootd
- Woebot App
1. Catch It
Developed as a joint project from the Universities of Liverpool and Manchester, this app is a simple mood diary, allowing you to record your changing moods and feelings.
By tracking how your feelings shift, the app aims to teach you how to manage anxiety and stress, illustrating new ways to view problems and develop positive ways of coping.
Through questions and guidance, Catch It supports you as you make sense of your moods – users have described how useful this can often be when trying to feel calmer.
2. Dare: Panic & Anxiety Relief
A popular app with high ratings from users, Dare, based on the best-selling book, provides you with a toolkit based around many years of experience to help your brain become less anxious.
The evidence based training programme provides help for people experiencing anxiety, panic attacks and more. You can track your daily progress with the mood journal, writing down all of your thoughts and feelings. With the ‘SOS’ feature, users can also get help fast when needed and on-the-go.
3. Insight Timer
This free app hosts a library of guided meditations designed to help users relax and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
The guided sessions are led by 11,000 different world-renowned mindfulness experts and psychologists. You will also have access to thousands of music tracks and ambient soundscapes to help you fall asleep or quiet your mind.
There are more than 1,500 meditations tailored specifically to dealing with anxiety.
4. Stress & Anxiety Companion
This one is great for individuals with mild to moderate anxiety and stress levels.
With techniques built around cognitive behavioural therapy, the app uses an array of breathing exercises, mindfulness games and relaxing music designed to help you set positive goals, create healthy routines and manage problematic thinking.
The Stress & Anxiety Companion is all about helping you identify why you’re feeling anxious or stressed and learning how to manage these negative thoughts.
5. iBreathe
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, stress, insomnia or you are just trying to relax and meditate, iBreathe is a simple yet great app for this.
It helps guide you through deep breathing exercises. Copying a relaxed breathing pattern calms the nervous system that controls the body’s involuntary functions, which helps to reduce anxiety and stress.
6. Self-Help for Anxiety Management (SAM)
This engaging and practical app is a helpful resource for those that want to confront their anxiety and really learn how to manage it.
SAM helps you understand the causes behind your anxiety and gives you resources to create your own anxiety toolkit along with techniques to monitor changing moods, thoughts and behaviours.
Through the various available self-help exercises and reflections, you can learn how to develop healthy thought patterns and actions.
You can also use the social cloud feature which allows you to give and receive support from other users.
7. What’s Up?
This free app is designed to help users cope with depression, anxiety, stress and more.
With a range of cognitive behaviour therapy and acceptance commitment therapy methods, the app provides actionable advice on overcoming negative thinking patterns, helps you put your feelings into perspective and gives tips on staying grounded during times of stress.
You can also use the diary to record thoughts and learn how to keep calm with effective breathing exercises.
8. Rootd
As seen in Women’s health, Time magazine, Healthline and more! Rootd, is an award winning, scientifically validated, female led app to help people who suffer with anxiety, panic attacks, and racing thoughts.
With the ‘Rootr’ feature, it allows users to press the big red button when in need of help whether that is for reassurance or to explore the discomfort going on in someone’s head.
9. Woebot App
The Woebot app offers support for people struggling with anxiety and/or depression, through daily check-ins and lessons, helping users to change their thought patterns.
Again, it should be noted that these apps should not be considered a replacement for professional help – but they can be great aids for boosting general mental health and wellbeing!
Taking to nature and enjoying activities outdoors can also work wonders for mental wellbeing and self-confidence. To find out more about how adventure breaks could help improve mental health, take a look at our blog below.
For more information about the Calvert Experience and the disability activities we offer, please get in touch.