This year’s #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek theme is #MomentsForMovement, which highlights the impacts of movement on mental health and wellbeing, including and not limited to:
- Promoting social interaction: Group activities or sports can increase social engagement and reduce feelings of loneliness.
- Enriching our lives and experiences: Regular physical activity contributes to a greater overall sense of wellbeing and life satisfaction.
- Stimulating both our bodies and minds: Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Exercise lowers levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.
- Boosting motivation and enthusiasm: Regular movement enhances our cognitive function, boosts mental clarity and focus, and can make us more enthusiastic about trying new things
Here are some inspiring local projects that work to achieve the above impacts, connect people who are feeling isolated and lonely, and make a positive difference to our community.
Upcoming projects and activities
The Stuart Low Trust (SLT) is an award-winning Islington-based mental health charity dedicated to breaking the cycle of isolation and bringing hope to people’s lives for over 20 years. Their Step Up Step Out programme motivates people with mental health issues to get active. Follow their monthly activities and events on Instagram.
“I am stressed out as main carer for elderly mum. The activities provide me relaxation physical exercise, de-stressed and help me to cope better as carer. The activity is respite from caring.” – Stuart Low Trust participant
Mei Mei Social is an innovative arts project for those aged 55 and over, which focuses on combating isolation, loneliness, and mobility challenges. They offer day trips to museums, parks, and exhibitions, a weekly art hub (The Art Lab) with internet-based technologies, and workshops with local artists. Check out their The Art Laboratory on Fridays at Hargrave Hall 2- 3.30 pm and Girdlestone Art Group on Wednesdays 11-1pm at Girdlestone Community Centre. Classes are for free, require no prior experience, and all materials are included!
Healthy Generations is a mental health and wellbeing initiative which promotes inclusion and reduce isolation among older people and those experiencing mental health challenges. They offer classes in exercise, music and digital skills. Find out more and join the online “Longevity Keep-fit Class” here.
“If Claremont wasn’t here, it would be awful. The classes and activities are an opportunity to mix with new people. I’ve made many new friends over the years – sometimes we go out for dinners outside of classes.” – Pippa, Claremont participant
Claremont Project: aims to improve the quality of life for isolated older people. They offer a range of services and activities – from therapy to dance, and put authentic relationships at the heart of their work. They emphasise authentic relationships and offer inclusive opportunities like their Spring Art Fair on May 17th and more community sessions.
Impact & opportunities in your inbox!
At Islington Giving, we’re committed to improving mental health for everyone – from supporting vital local projects to delivering grants and programmes like Mind the Gap, which aims to bridge the gap in mental health services for people facing multiple challenges. Stay in the know about what’s happening at Islington Giving and our borough, including news, stories, special events opportunities and more!
