About Healthier Lives

 

Healthier Lives is a project by Moray Reach Out designed to improve the health and wellbeing of adults with disabilities across Moray.

We support adults with learning disabilities, individuals experiencing poor mental health, and those at risk of social isolation to access the right information, opportunities, and support to live healthier, more connected lives.

We believe that good health is about more than just physical wellbeing – it’s about feeling confident, connected, and supported.

However, many people face barriers to accessing clear, reliable health information or opportunities to improve their wellbeing. This can lead to isolation, poor mental health, and reduced confidence.

Healthier Lives aims to break down these barriers by bringing together reliable, easy-to-understand information and resources that support people to make positive, informed choices about their health and wellbeing.

We recognise that accessing the right information can sometimes feel overwhelming or unclear. That’s why this project focuses on providing clear, relevant, and accessible guidance in formats that work for different needs.

By building knowledge, confidence, and connections, Healthier Lives will support individuals to take small, manageable steps towards improving their physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

Healthier Lives is for:

– Adults with learning disabilities

– Individuals experiencing poor mental health

– People who feel socially isolated

– Parents, carers, and support staff

This project will help people to:

– Feel more confident in making decisions about their health

– Improve their mental and physical well-being

– Build meaningful connections with others

– Access opportunities within their community

– Develop skills and independence

How It Will Work

Everything we develop will be inclusive and easy to access.

We will use:

– Easy-read materials

– Video content

– Interactive sessions and workshops

– Group discussions and peer learning

The project will be co-designed with the people who use it, ensuring it meets real needs and is delivered in a way that works for them.

We will also work closely with local partners and organisations to bring together the best resources and opportunities available across Moray.

What We Will Offer 

– Accessible information on mental and physical well-being

– Guidance on evidence-based healthy eating

– Support to access sports, activities, and local opportunities

– Workshops on topics such as online safety and healthy relationships

– Opportunities to connect with others and build peer support networks

– Signposting to local services and organisations

Get Involved

– Join our sessions or register your interest

– Partner with us as an organisation

– Support or share our work

The topics we will cover:

Mental Wellbeing

Understanding mental health and recognising when you need support

Managing stress, anxiety, and low mood

Building confidence and resilience

Physical Health

The benefits of regular movement and activity

How to get started with exercise safely

Finding activities that suit different abilities

Healthy Eating

What a balanced, evidence-based diet looks like

Practical tips for eating well on a budget

Understanding food labels and making informed choices

Social Wellbeing

Building connections and reducing isolation

Developing healthy relationships

Accessing community groups and peer support

Wider Topics

Online safety

Challenging stigma

Accessing local opportunities and services

Resources

Nutrition & Healthy Eating
  • Moray Food Plus
    Provides food support, advice, and access to affordable food for individuals and families.
  • NHS Grampian
    Offers guidance on healthy eating, weight management, and nutrition support.
  • Health & Social Care Moray
    Supports overall health including diet, community health programmes, and wellbeing services.
  • Heart Of Moray
    A programme to help you become more active, learn about food and lifestyle and be supported for healthy weight management
Fitness & Physical Activity
  • Moray Leisure Centre
    Gym, swimming, and accessible fitness opportunities.
  • Moray Sports Centre
    Inclusive gym and structured programmes.
  • Get On A Bike
    Supports people to start or return to cycling for physical and mental wellbeing.
  • Moray RDA
    Provides therapeutic horse riding for adults and young people with additional needs.
  • Grampian Disability Sport
    Dedicated to fostering regular high-quality sport and physical activity opportunities for people with a disability.
    • Police Scotland
      Advice on staying safe online and reporting concerns.
    • NSPCC
      Online safety guidance (useful for carers and families).
    • UK Safer Internet Centre
      Resources on digital safety, scams, and staying safe online.
    • Friends Against Scams
      A free online resource offering guidance and training to help you recognise, avoid, and report scams, keeping yourself and others safe.
    • Dr Gray’s Hospital
      Provides accessible information and patient support materials (ask staff for easy read versions).
    • Moray Council
      Offers accessible and easy-read documents on services, social care, and community support.
    • Health & Social Care Moray
      Provides information in accessible formats and can support requests for easy-read materials.
    • Moray Libraries
      Access to books, digital resources, and support with finding accessible information.
    Websites with Easy Read Health & Wellbeing Information

    The apps shared here are based on personal experiences and suggestions.

    Please note that any apps are used at your own discretion, and Moray Reach Out cannot take responsibility for their content or use.

    • MLC – Moray Leisure Centre
      Stay up to date with classes, book sessions, join challenges, and track your workouts at Moray Leisure Centre.

    • MyFitnessPal
      Track your food, exercise, and daily habits to support a healthier lifestyle.

    • AllTrails
      Discover local walking and hiking routes, with maps, reviews, and difficulty levels.

    • Workout Women
      Simple, guided workouts designed specifically for women to build fitness at home or in the gym.

    • Habits
      Build positive routines and track daily habits to support long-term wellbeing.

    • Yuka
      Scan food and cosmetic products to understand their ingredients and health impact.

    • EasyQuit
      Support to stop smoking or drinking alcohol with progress tracking, motivation tools, and health benefits over time.