Blog

Five Ways to Wellbeing

Decade of Health and Wellbeing

What’s it all about?
This decade is about building on the Year of Health & Wellbeing continuing to promote the importance of good health and wellbeing for everyone in Liverpool and the City Region – public bodies, businesses, communities and individuals.

Key to the Decade are the 5 Ways to Wellbeing which are are:

- Connect
- Be Active
- Take Notice
- Keep Learning
- Give

Connect… with the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.

Be active… Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

Take notice… Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters. Decade of Health & Wellbeing

Keep learning… Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.

Give… Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.

For a region to thrive economically and socially, its citizens must enjoy good health and wellbeing and have equal opportunities
to enjoy life.

The Decade of Health and Wellbeing is for everybody and
everyone can join in to make our city equal, well and green
by 2020.

www.2020healthandwellbeing.org.uk

Welcome in the New Year of 2012 with V6

Set right in the heart of the Mabie forest in the region of Dumfies and Galloway, Scotland away from the hustle and bustle of the world. This unique venue is completely surrounded by forest and this makes the sounds of modern life disappear.

New Year 2012 with V6 Adventure UK

The Forest is a great spot to relax and unwind, with a sauna and outside hot tub on site. It is also perfect as a base for 7stanes mountain biking and other activities such as road cycling, walking & hiking or nature exploring.

Onsite nestled amongst the trees in a clearing is an authentic replica of a there is a Celtic Iron Age Roundhouse that we have full access to and an outdoor (but private) hot shower all set in beautiful wooden buildings.

If you truly want to try out the Iron Age life there is a large wood burner which cunningly converts to an open fire in the middle of the roundhouse on which you can cook your meals or even just make a brew.

Electricity is provided for music though lighting is generally by candles to add to the ambience. All you need to bring are sleeping bags (camping gear if camping), food and drink as theirs a full range of cooking equipment, crockery, cutlery, etc available.

There is also a built-in BBQ for you to use and a gazebo if the weather is inclement.

New Years Eve 2011!
Your New Year’s Eve Celebration is for three nights, four days arriving on the Friday 30th December and departing on Monday 2nd from just £180 (members) £240 (non-members) per person which may includethe following sample itinerary:

- Use of the Roundhouse and grounds, Sauna and outdoor shower, Outdoor Hot tub
- Light evening entertainment
- Complimentary tea & coffee on tap.
- A range of activities going on over the weekend.
- Light breakfast each morning.
- New Year’s Day Treasure Hunt – with a super prize for the winner

Please note: This itinerary is a guide only. It can be subject to change dependent upon viability, course members’ , weather conditions or for any other reason the staff may deem necessary

* It excludes main meals, travel and any additional activity related costs, i.e. cycle hire, admission fees etc. Pack lunches can be provided at £4 per day

Deposit £50, so get your deposit in quick!!!

——————————————————————————————
Booking conditions and payment

All reservations must be confirmed by payment of the initial deposit of £30. Full pre-payment is required by 1st December 2011. This is non-refundable unless we are able to re-allocate your place. As with all activities & events we advise you to take out insurance against cancellations.

Multi Terrain Running – Monday Evening

Training nights are on Monday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 7.45 p.m. (arrive 10mins early for warm-up)

£2 V6 Members
£3 None members or guests

The training is aimed at the novice or beginner runner, with the focus on getting folk a bit more fitter for more adventurous V6 outdoors activities.

The group will start of small but will split into 2 groups if needed as different abilities and experience develops over time.

running at night

What to wear
If it is your first time running or training, wear some warm, loose fitting clothes and a comfortable pair of trainers. You probably won’t get too cold whilst actually training but make sure that you have dry and warm clothing for afterwards.

Location/venue
Everton Park, Liverpool

.

Mountain Walking – Snowdonia

Another a good opportunity to brush of those New Year cobwebs and get out in the fresh air :-) good training inpreparation for scotland or noway…

tryfan in winter

Activity:
Mountain Walking – Snowdonia

Date
Saturday 29th Jan

Description
The mountains of Snowdonia stretch nearly fifty miles from the northern heights of the Carneddau, looming darkly over Conwy Bay, to the southern fringes of the Cadair Idris massif, overlooking the tranquil estuary of the Afon Dyfi and Cardigan Bay.

From the western end of the Nantlle Ridge to the eastern borders of the Aran range is around twentyfive miles. Within this area lie nine distinct mountain groups containing a wealth of mountain walking possibilities.

Location/venue
Snowdonia – will deside on what to do when we know group and ablity

Time/duration
All day.

Meet at
TBC

Costs – Free to members

£26.50 per person (non members or guests)

Numbers: 8

Event coordinator
Please contact Denny for further info or enquiries

Additional info
This is a good opportunity to brush of those New Year cobwebs and get out in the fresh air :-)

Please note:
*Further information will be available by email on booking.

Night Hike – Delamere Forest

Hiking in daytime can be good fun, but hiking at night can be really thrilling, exiting and different.

If you’ve never done it, find the chance to do so! To spend a little time just looking up at the stars gives you a sense of just how large the universe is…

walking at night

Hiking or getting out in to the countryside at night can be a totally new experience for many. As humans we are not nocturnal creatures. Our eyes are our primary sense, and they are made for colour vision using lots of light. To hike or go out at night is to intentionally allow you to slip out of your comfort zone and connect with the countryside in a new and interesting way.

Because most people these days are urban, and today’s cities are places of lights, streets, cars, people, etc. the woods or countryside at night so different from of what our normal life is. The woods at night are dark, trails are hard to find and narrow, walking can slow, and rarely will you run into people out for a family outing when you’re out at night.

You can see the star away from the bright lights of the city, see nature at night try and get a picture, we’ll bring along a camping stove and make a brew on route have a go at navigating you way round in the dark and if you bring a can/bottle of beer for a celebration drink while out or we could stop of a local county pub before we head back

Cost: £12 members £16.50 Non members

.

Club meet every wednesday from 8.30pm

Held at the “The Lion Tavern”
Every Wednesday from 8.30pm

V6 Adventure UK club night Inside the Lion Tavern

Club meets are a great way to meet up with other members, find out some info about the club and have a few beers…

You will find us right at the back, Just ask at the bar for us.

Alternatively if you’re a little nervous or apprehensive as a new member/visitor, just give Denny a call or email and we’ll arrange for someone to meet you, so you don’t have to join the group alone!

Plus a chance to win “loads of cash” every wednesday!! turn up to find out more?

THE LION TAVERN
The Lion Tavern is an atmospheric pub with a superbly preserved interior. A very good selection of cask ales is available in this historic pub, as well as some very tasty cheeses.

from 8:30pm to 11pm
Location: Liverpool City Centre
Street: 67 Moorfields
City/Town: Liverpool, L2 2BP

.

Multi terrain running – Wednesday evening

Training nights are on Monday and Wednesday from 6.30 p.m. to 7.45 p.m. depending on the evening you choose (arrive 10mins early for warm-up)

£2 V6 Members
£3 None members or guests

The training is aimed at the novice or beginner runner, with the focus on getting folk a bit more fitter for more adventurous V6 outdoors activities.

trail running

The group will start of small but will split into 2 groups if needed as different abilities and experience develops over time.

If it is your first time running or training, wear some warm, loose fitting clothes and a comfortable pair of trainers. You probably won’t
get too cold whilst actually training but make sure that you have dry
and warm clothing for afterwards.

What to wear
If it is your first time running or training, wear some warm, loose fitting clothes and a comfortable pair of trainers. You probably won’t get too cold whilst actually training but make sure that you have dry and warm clothing for afterwards.

Location/venue
Everton Park, Liverpool
.

Indoor Climbing Wall Meet – Tuesdays

V6 Climbing Wall meets at Awesome Walls climbing wall, Liverpool on a Tuesdays from tea time to 8pm (Always check with other members thought the members area to keep up to date with whose heading down to the wall)

awesome walls

Turning up to theses meets are the quickest and simplest way for members and prospective members to meet up and to have a go at climbing.

If you have experience of climbing and know how to tie in, belay and lower off safely etc you are welcome to come down at any time free of charge and join in, you just need to pay your entrance fee to the wall and the hire of any equipment you may need, like harness, climbing shoes etc.

If you are a novice we hold introductory sessions on one night per month. During these sessions you will be introduced to the skills of tying in, belaying and lowering off safely, eventually allowing you to answer yes to the questions you’ll be asked on your registration form for Awesome Walls, enabling you to use the facilities without supervision.

An hour’s basic instruction on the introductory sessions for non members are £5 and for member £4 (email an leave a message below if you think you need some basic instruction, so we can check if someone is available to attend).

We will also be running climbing coaching workshops shortly, so watch this space

Beginners Yoga

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga class for beginners

8 week beginners course – for men and woman

Tueday evenings running from Jan 11 – 1st March
(start for 6.15pm arrive at 6pm)

Tutor: Judi Soffa

£6.50 on the day or £50 for 8 weeks

Maintaining balance and fluid movement is essential in climbing, kayaking and mountain biking etc or when practicing vinyasa (movement connected with the breath) or balance postures.

For example a climber must maintain balance on tiny holds while reaching for a new hold. A yogini will bring her foot forward into Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I) during Surya Namaskara Kha (Sun Salutation B) and reach up with her hands in balance.

Through vinyasa a climber can cultivate a meditative flow of movement off the rock, develop a continuity of awareness of breath and become familiar with how it feels to be focused, confident, fluid and continuous from one movement to the next. These subtle proprioceptive insights will carry over into climbing and other activities.

Example – Yoga And Climbing: There are quite a few similarities and benifits between the two.

* Yoga and rock climbing require muscle strength, endurance and balance. And the more you practice these exercise forms, the better you’ll become at them.

* Yoga asanas are said to increase body awareness. This not only increases your focus and concentration, but also makes you more attuned to every movement of the body. Climbing too increases a person’s presence of mind, concentration and body awareness. While climbing a mountain, the climber has to be conscious about every movement and about the correct footholds.

* Yoga also incorporates breath control. Pranayama teaches people to inhale and exhale in several ways to absorb more oxygen into the body and flush out toxins. A climber too has to master breath control as breathing too quickly or breathing too slowly can result in a break in concentration and muscle tension. While climbing, all the muscles of the body need to get oxygenated, so mastering breath control is very important for the climber.

* Mental strength is very important in both yoga and climbing. A calm and focused body is essential while pursuing either of these exercises.

* Flexibility, balance, control on muscle tension and core strength are the very basics of yoga and climbing. Yoga practitioners and climbers believe that several of the yoga postures are similar to the postures in rock climbing.

Snow Holing in the Cairngorms Mountains, Scotland

Dates will run in February (put your name down if interested)

Making your own bed and then lying in it is part of the fun of enjoying the outdoors, and can be a crucial survival technique.

In deep snow conditions, building a snow-hole is an option as long as you know what you are doing and have prepared carefully.

Snow Holing

Snow Hole Expeditions are:

Challenging! Rewarding! Remarkable! This will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Help construct a roomy communal snowhole lit by the reflected light of candles! Wake up to the absolute silence of a pristine winter wonderland bathed in the soft light of a Cairngorm dawn.

Once you’ve undergone a day of essential skills training we embark on a two-day expedition to head deep into the snowy wilderness. The route takes us across the Cairngorm (4085ft) – Ben Macdui (4295ft) plateau to spend a night in a communal snowhole. You learn the essentials of good snow hole design and efficient construction.

Inside a Snow Hole

The challenges are unique and the rewards unrivalled – this is Britain’s ultimate winter mountain experience & one not to be missed.

Check out:

BBC team go Snow Holing