Wokingham Borough Council and Berkshire mental health charity Sport in Mind have teamed up to create a weekly programme of sport and physical activity sessions to help improve the health and wellbeing of people experiencing mental health conditions in the Wokingham Borough.
The project’s free one-hour football sessions kick off at Goals Soccer Centre, Woodley tomorrow (October 21) at 6pm.
Sport in Mind’s supported sport and physical activity programmes for people experiencing mental health conditions have gained national interest and now residents of Wokingham Borough will be able benefit due to their partnership with the borough council.
The joint initiative’s aim is to provide local people experiencing mental health problems with the opportunity to get active by providing free access to a variety of different fun sport and physical activity sessions that will help aid recovery, improve physical health and build self-esteem.
The programme will offer various different activities on a weekly basis ranging from peaceful, relaxing yoga sessions to more energetic sports such as football.
Robert, who sufferers from depression and has been attending the programme’s badminton session, said: “Joining Sport in Mind and the council’s sessions have had a hugely positive impact on my mental health, they have helped me through a difficult time in my life and enabled me to rebuild my self-esteem. I would recommend them to everyone.”
Cllr Julian McGhee Sumner, executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “Sport is a great way for people with mental health issues to improve their health and wellbeing and also keep fit and active. These free sessions are a great opportunity for people to do that.”
