Move for Mood: Boosting Mental Health Through Physical Activity

2-MINUTE READ

Background

The Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust recently launched a 9-week pilot programme called *Move for Mood* to explore the benefits of physical activity for individuals with mild to moderate mental health conditions. Supported by Sport England’s Together Fund, the initiative was led by The Wellbeing and Recovery College, with the goal of improving mental and physical well-being through a collaborative, recovery-focused approach.

How Energize Got Involved

The programme was developed in partnership with community physical activity instructors, tutors with lived experience, and staff from the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) team. This collaborative effort offered participants an opportunity to engage in physical activity while learning coping techniques from peers who had successfully managed their own mental health challenges.

What Happened

Over the course of the 9-week pilot, participants engaged in physical activity taster sessions alongside recovery-focused discussions. The sessions combined physical activities like walking and yoga with group discussions that emphasised personal challenges, goal setting, and mutual support. The impact of the programme was clear, as participants shared how the experience helped them develop friendships, manage their mood, and improve their overall mental health.

Participants expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback:

- "It was a nine-week commitment and journey that I will continue to recommend to others."

- "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."

- "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."

In addition to the social and emotional benefits, participants reported improvements in their physical activity levels and an increased ability to set and meet personal challenges.

The Impact

*Move for Mood* successfully highlighted the power of physical activity in supporting mental health recovery. As a result of its success, similar programmes are being developed to continue offering these opportunities. The Wellbeing and Recovery College offers both online and in-person courses across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Staffordshire, providing essential support to individuals struggling with symptoms of low mood and anxiety.

The pilot demonstrated that physical activity, combined with peer support and professional guidance, can have a profound impact on mental well-being. Participants reported feeling more connected, motivated, and optimistic about their ability to manage their mental health going forward.

One participant even wrote a poem celebrating their experience:

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.

With its emphasis on connection, motivation, and mental health, *Move for Mood* has laid the groundwork for future initiatives that use physical activity to boost mental well-being in the local community.