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Id 552
Author Jones M., Kimberlee R., Deave T., Evans S.
Title The role of community centre-based arts, leisure and social activities in promoting adult well-being and healthy lifestyles
Reference
Jones M., Kimberlee R., Deave T., Evans S.; The role of community centre-based arts, leisure and social activities in promoting adult well-being and healthy lifestyles ;International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health vol:10 issue: 5 page:1948.0

Link to article https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84877883792&doi=10.3390%2fijerph10051948&partnerID=40&md5=3e917493be5d8d17fdc918ec9f0b2519
Abstract Developed countries are experiencing high levels of mental and physical illness associated with long term health conditions, unhealthy lifestyles and an ageing population. Given the limited capacity of the formal health care sector to address these public health issues, attention is turning to the role of agencies active in civil society. This paper sought to evaluate the associations between participation in community centre activities, the psycho-social wellbeing and health related behaviours. This was based on an evaluation of the South West Well-being programme involving ten organisations delivering leisure, exercise, cooking, befriending, arts and crafts activities. The evaluation consisted of a before-and-after study with 687 adults. The results showed positive changes in self-reported general health, mental health, personal and social well-being. Positive changes were associated with diet and physical activity. Some activities were different in their outcomes-especially in cases where group activities were combined with one-to-one support. The results suggest that community centre activities of this nature offer benefits that are generically supportive of health behaviour changes. Such initiatives can perform an important role in supporting the health improvement objectives of formal health care services. For commissioners and partner agencies, accessibility and participation are attractive features that are particularly pertinent to the current public health context. © 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.


Results:

Candidate transition variables
The results showed positive changes in self-reported general health, mental health, personal and social well-being. .
The results of the study suggest that community centre activities offer benefits that are supportive of health and well-being. .
There was a significant reduction in self-reported mental ill health. .
The multiple routes for enrolment on to community centre-based activities are likely to address unmet health needs, while the development of new and potentially supportive social networks provide local assets for health. .
Activities such as those delivered through the community centres in this study have a part to play in helping shift an agenda towards the promotion of wellbeing and positive health. .
This reflects a reorientation towards promoting healthy behaviours and well-being, and pro-active investment to avoid future ill health costs. .
Mental wellbeing groups focused on art and craft activities and friendship-building activities. .
Advocates 5,11 suggest that community based organisations are well placed to offer informal and user-led activities that fit with local interests and provide additional benefits, such as a basis for developing social support networks and civic action. .