Active Minds, Healthy Bodies

A partnership between Comic Relief, Greater London Authority, Mind and Sporting Equals

On World Mental Health Day 2022, Sporting Equals announced a 12-month partnership formed between Comic Relief, Mind and Sporting Equals. The partners delivered a project titled “Active Minds, Healthy Bodies”, supporting older people from ethnically diverse communities into physical activity opportunities.

Following lockdowns, caused by COVID-19, Mind found that older people from ethnically diverse backgrounds were disproportionately likely to experience mental health problems. Widespread isolation, loneliness and bereavement all had particular impact on older people. This project therefore came at a very important time in light of challenges facing older communities and the support communities need to reduce inactivity in this audience group.

Active Minds, Healthy Bodies promoted the benefits of physical activity and acted as a support mechanism to boost mental health. Working with seven London local community and faith organisations the project was delivered to a variety of ethnically diverse communities (Black African and Black Caribbean, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian).

The project and partnership allowed us to support older groups who are often forgotten and ensured we reached those who facing multiple disadvantages in light of cultural, economic and inclusion barriers.

In total this project had over 150 beneficiaries across the seven organisations, alongside 36 volunteers being supported with mental health first aid and cultural awareness training, supporting their communities into physical activity opportunities.

100% of participants felt that this programme had helped increase their social interaction as well as improved their overall mental wellbeing.

Case Study:

“I am 57 years old. I have joined the program a couple of months ago and it has affected me positively in so many ways which I cant put into words. Before I started the Monday and Thursday exercise classes, I used to have joint pains in my knees, but now it has completely disappeared. I have made so many new friends at the centre and the centre really does feel like my second home. A huge thank you to this programme, KCBNA and Ifrah Ahmed for being such a great help. I really hope KCBNA continues this program in the future to help people like they helped me.”

"We are proud and excited to work with such great partners on this important project. The pandemic had a heavy impact on us all, so to be able address the imbalance was extremely important to us. The stories and experiences shared by the beneficiaries highlight the need for programmes like this, for not only the physical benefits but also the mental and social impacts. A huge thank you to Comic Relief and Mind for their support and collaboration on this programme.”

Arun Kang OBE, CEO Sporting Equals

Mind:

Mind’s physical activity team use the power of sport and physical activity to raise awareness, tackle mental health stigmas, and support those of us with mental health problems to become more active.

We are thrilled to have teamed up with Sporting Equals to provide coaches and peer volunteers with mental health training and support to support Active Minds, Healthy Body coaches, volunteers, and participants to thrive.

Active Minds, Healthy Bodies

A partnership between Comic Relief, Greater London Authority, Mind and Sporting Equals

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