Moving for mental health: Mind joins forces with Chasing the Stigma

By Mind & Chasing the Stigma | 22 September 2023 | TAGS: Mental health

The charity Mind’s Physical Activity team has proudly announced its partnership with Chasing the Stigma, a leading mental health charity.

This dynamic collaboration puts the spotlight on the powerful connection between physical activity and mental health, emphasising the importance of staying active for a healthier mind.

Nearly 200 services that specifically involve physical activity to support mental health, have now been added to the Hub of Hope so people can easily discover nearby resources offering physical activities tailored to enhancing mental health.

Who are Mind’s Physical Activity team?

The Physical Activity team is the part of the mental health charity Mind which champions the transformative impact of physical activity on mental health, from grassroots all the way to elite athlete level.

Their work is shaped by people with personal experience of mental health problems and they proudly facilitate the Mental Health Expert Group for Physical Activity.

Working with Chasing the Stigma the group is a collaboration of mental health charities using the power of physical activity and movement.

It is led by Mind, funded by Sport England, and includes Rethink Mental Illness, Scottish Association of Mental Health, Sport in Mind, Mental Health Swims, Run Talk Run, Mental Health Football Wales and many more.

Chasing the Stigma's mission 

Chasing the Stigma, a dedicated mental health charity, strives to break down barriers to seeking help and support for mental health challenges.

With its groundbreaking Hub of Hope platform, Chasing the Stigma is revolutionising the way people access mental health services. The Hub of Hope is a free, comprehensive, user-friendly app and website designed to help people find mental health services that work for them.

The power of physical activity for mental health 

Our physical and mental health are closely linked and there’s good evidence that getting more physically active can have real benefits for our mental wellbeing.

Studies have shown that being physically active can reduce the risk of depression by up to 30%.As well as helping release endorphins and regulate stress hormones, the benefits of being regularly active also include boosting self-esteem and building social support. It's a holistic approach to nurturing both your body and your mind.

Hayley Jarvis, Head of Physical Activity for Mind, said:

“Physical activity and movement are a vital way to support people to live well and stay well. Our own research suggests that almost two thirds of people (65 per cent) feel physical activity should be offered alongside medication and talking therapy for people with mental health problems.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Chasing the Stigma and are tremendously grateful to all the many charities from our Mental Health Expert Group and people with lived experience of mental health problems who helped contribute to and shape the Hub of Hope.

“We hope the Hub of Hope can provide specially-designed support for people with mental health problems and provide welcoming, friendly and supportive environments for them. With a range of physical activity and movement programmes on offer, from boxing and football to walking groups, we hope the Hub means more people can find what works for them.

“We would also encourage other organisations working in this space to list their services and promote Hub of Hope so that more people across the country can find the right support local to them"

Jake Mills, CEO of Chasing the Stigma, said:

“I'm delighted to announce our groundbreaking partnership with the Mind Physical Activity team. Together, we're shining a light on the incredible impact of physical activity and movement on mental health.

“Focusing on my physical health in recent years has been a game changer for my own mental health. I am a huge advocate for the relationship between physical activity and mental health.

“With over 150 services that focus on physical activity to support mental health now listed on the Hub of Hope, everyone can easily find support that suits their unique journey to mental wellbeing.“

ENDS

About Chasing the Stigma and Hub of Hope

Chasing the Stigma is a national charity committed to normalising mental health. We make it easy to find help through the Hub of Hope support app, we create an environment of understanding through our Ambassador of Hope training and we campaign for change, every day.

The Hub of Hope was established in 2017 and was the brainchild of Liverpool comedian, Jake Mills. Following his own suicide attempt in October 2013, Jake realised when talking through his own personal experience that many people didn’t know where to turn for help with their own mental health issues, so he and his team created the Hub of Hope – an app to bring together all of the mental health support available to someone in any given area.

About Mind

We’re Mind, the mental health charity. We believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. We’re here for you. Today. Now. We’re on your doorstep, on the end of a phone or online.

Whether you’re stressed, depressed or in crisis. We’ll listen, give you support and advice, and fight your corner. And we’ll push for a better deal and respect for everyone experiencing a mental health problem. Mind.org.uk