Our Book of Wellbeing
For over 60 years, Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham has provided more than just housing; we offer a warm community built to tackle isolation and build lasting friendships. We believe that staying connected is the heartbeat of wellbeing, which is why our houses bring residents together every day through shared mealtimes and activities.
To support health and happiness, we embrace the “Five Ways to Wellbeing.” Developed by the New Economics Foundation as a mental health equivalent to “five-a-day,” these simple, practical steps are essential for maintaining a sense of purpose and improving wellbeing.
Explore the below to find practical tips and inspiration for you to follow the Five Ways of Wellbeing, either at home or in one of our Abbeyfield Houses. Whether it’s discovering new ways to Connect, finding joy in Taking Notice, or the fulfilment of Giving, these small actions can lead to big improvements in your daily life.
The Five Ways of Wellbeing
Connect: The Power of People
We all need to feel close to people. As we get older, it can sometimes be easy to feel a little isolated, but staying connected to the people around us is one of the most powerful things we can do for our wellbeing. Think of it like a warm hug for your brain! Connection helps us feel valued, gives us support when we need it, and adds a lot of joy and laughter to our lives.
The Abbeyfield Connection
Imagine having a built-in circle of friends and your very own little community to support you – That’s what it’s like at Abbeyfield. Our coffee mornings and mealtimes bring everyone together. If you would like to join us for a cuppa and a chat, we’d love to have you!
Get in touch on 0117 973 6997.
Click on the arrows below to learn about ways to reach out and stay in touch with others.
Make a phone call
Have a chat
Find a group
Be Active: Movement Sparks Joy!
You don’t need gym membership to get the benefit of being active! Simply moving your body, in whatever way you can manage, is incredibly important for both your physical and mental health. When you move, your body releases natural chemicals that help to boost your mood, reduce stress, and even help you sleep better.
Get Abbeyfield Active
We want everyone to remain active in later life so that’s why our houses organise classes including seated yoga to dancing, so that residents can keep moving as little or as much as they like. You too can get Abbeyfield active from your own home by wiggling and waving along to your favourite song from the comfort of your chair!
Click on the arrows below to learn about how can you could be more active.
'Micro-walk'
Gentle exercise
Get your hands dirty
Take Notice: Enjoy the World Around You
How often do you stop and really notice the small things?
This is often called mindfulness, and it is about paying attention to the present moment, the sounds, the sights, the smells, and your own feelings.
It’s about spotting a robin, tasting your tea properly, or appreciating the warmth of the sun. Doing this helps you to feel calmer and find richness in the everyday.
Go Out in Nature
At Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham we know how important outdoor spaces are for improving wellbeing, that’s why we and our residents take pride in keeping the gardens maintained. If you’re green fingered, get in touch with your local house, we’ll always welcome more volunteers.
Click on the arrows below to learn about how can you can be more mindful.
Focus on your senses
Practice mindful observation
Try full-body breathing
Keep Learning: Use It or Lose It
Did you know that your brain loves a challenge?
Keep Learning isn’t about going back to school; it’s about keeping your mind active, flexible, and interested in the world. Learning new things, no matter how small, can give you a wonderful sense of accomplishment, boost your self-confidence, and open up new ways of connecting with people. It could be learning a new recipe, figuring out how to use a computer, or finally planting those rare tulips.
The Abbeyfield Quiz
Our residents love a quiz and in Abbeyfield House, Keynsham, we’re very lucky to have our very own ‘quiz master’, Pete. Every Thursday morning, he brings laughter and ‘friendly’ competition with his unique quiz and one liners! Gather your friends and family and try out Pete’s quiz at home.
Click on the arrows below to learn about how can you embrace that natural curiosity and discover a new passion?
Visit your local library
Learn something new on technology
Test yourself
Give: Nothing Feels Better than Helping Others
We often think of ‘giving’ as big charity donations, but it’s much simpler than that! Giving is about acts of kindness, both big and small, that make a difference to someone else’s day.
When you help someone, volunteer your time, or even just offer a genuine compliment, it makes you feel good too. It can boost your happiness, give you a strong sense of purpose, and strengthen your bonds with others. We all have something valuable to offer, and by giving back, we help both our community and ourselves.
Abbeyfield's Built-in Community
At Abbeyfield, our residents are often the heart of the community, helping each other, chatting with our house manager, and making the house feel like home. Every resident has a vital role to play here and it’s those roles and willingness to help each other that builds our communities!
Click on the arrows below to learn about how can you can help others.
Volunteer
Be a good neighbour
It can be the small things
The Honest Conversation
"What does independence really mean?"
The biggest barrier to a better life is often the fear of change. But what does “independence” really mean when you’re managing a home alone? When we are forced to handle everything ourselves, what does that life often cost us?
The Daily Burden
It’s not just the physical work of cleaning and gardening. It’s the constant worry about rising bills, handling unpredictable maintenance bills, and managing the endless stream of post and admin. All of this “life admin” can be a real burden, distracting you from the things you actually want to do.
The Empty Table
Eating meals can be a lonely, feel like a chore, or sometimes skipped entirely. Shared mealtimes are one of the most natural ways to connect and laugh, and without them, the day can feel long and isolating.
The Worry of 'What If?'
When living alone, there is the constant, unspoken worry about what might happen if you slip, fall, or become unwell. Being truly isolated means asking: Who would know? This anxiety of being isolated in a crisis can really affect your confidence and limit your enjoyment of true independence.
Why Choose Abbeyfield?
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All of our houses offer private, unfurnished apartments with en-suite and kitchenette.
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You don't have to worry about the main chores. Delicious, home-cooked meals are provided in the communal dining room (lunch and dinner), and bills and maintenance of your flat are included in the monthly fees.
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You gain community. A friendly face is always nearby. You have a house manager for support and a lively social calendar to join if you want to.
Our Houses
Explore our four beautiful houses located in Hanham, Redland, Keynsham, and Henleaze. Discover more about each property below or book a viewing today!
Keynsham
Henleaze
Hanham
Redland
Your Next Steps
The No-Pressure Invite
We are so confident in the warm, friendly atmosphere of our houses that we want you to experience it for yourself—with no strings attached.
Call us for a ‘Proper Cuppa and a Chat.’
What to Expect: Forget the formal tour (unless you want one!). We’ll sit you down in our comfortable communal lounge with a cup of tea and a biscuit. You can just watch the world go by, chat to our existing residents, and see what a happy, connected home feels like.
