Background: Adults with mental health challenges often struggle with isolation and limited access to supportive services. To address this, the Sport for Social Good Foundation introduced the “Mindful Moves Islington” initiative.
The Project: “Mindful Moves Islington” combined physical activity with mental health support, offering weekly yoga, walking football, and dance therapy sessions. The programme worked closely with a local mental health charity based in Islington to ensure holistic support, providing participants access to professional mental health workers and coaches. Activities were tailored to accommodate varying levels of fitness and mental health needs, to reflect the needs of participants.
Outcomes:
- 75% of participants reported reduced stress and anxiety levels.
- 50% of participants increased their physical activity levels beyond the programme for at least three months
- Social connections formed during sessions led to a 30% increase in participants attending community events.
Impact: The project demonstrated the power of sport in fostering resilience and community among adults with mental health challenges. Many participants credited the programme with helping them regain a sense of purpose and belonging, proving that inclusive sport can be a crucial technique for mental health recovery.
