Sport England’s Together Fund has recently supported the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust to deliver a 9-week pilot called Move for Mood that explored opportunities to use physical activity to support people with mild to moderate mental health conditions.

The 9-week pilot adopted a recovery focused approach by The Wellbeing and Recovery College, using community physical activity instructors, tutors with lived experience and knowledge of staff from the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) team. The programme focused on key themes, which included coping and supportive techniques from those with lived experience, plus physical activity taster sessions.  

The collaborative approach adopted by The Wellbeing and Recovery College and IAPT has proven very successful with feedback from participants including…

 

“Wow, it was a nine-week commitment and journey that I have and will continue to recommend to other people, please continue these courses for others to experience.”

“The instructors have been inspiring, their smiles and enthusiasm infectious.”

 

“It was nice to get out and get active with others in a similar position.”

 

“I always look forward to attending the course.”

 

“This course has been amazing; it has helped me to make a group of friends who I already support and who will no doubt support me.”

 

“I have been able to consider my own activity levels and implement challenges and goals.”

The Move for Mood pilot has further highlighted the very positive impact that being active has on our physical and mental wellbeing. The pilot has been hugely successful in staff creating very similar courses starting soon. The Wellbeing and Recovery College has a range of courses available online and in person across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Staffordshire. 

Telford and Wrekin IAPT support people in the local area with symptoms of low mood and anxiety.  To enquire about Move for Mood or any other courses or one to one support, please visit their website or call 01952 457 415.

 

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A participant wrote a poem about their positive experience of attending Move for Mood:

What were you out to prove?

Malcolm, Marilyn, Terri and Jaz, what a great team we had.

Nine weeks is a commitment but worth it to see the difference.

We have strolled, we have stretched, done yoga and brisk walking and yes, lots of talking

Connection we have realised is the key, it certainly has helped me

Motivation is the starting point, we are working towards a new habit,  not a chore but a part of our lives that can bring us such joy and help us to strive.

Try Active 10, maybe Couch to 5K or any other way to get yourself away, even hoovering is one way!

We had heard such powerful words from those who have overcome some of the challenges of having low mood for all types of reasons, there is no judgement, it is like the seasons, so sometimes we have to make our own sunshine and believe we will be fine.

We walked in rain, mud and sun but honestly it was such fun, eventually though the snow won, but still we joined Mr Motivator via Zoom knowing we would all meet up soon.