Mind Monmouthshire is Joining Forces with Monmouthshire Sport and leisure team, using the power of physical activity to Support Your Mental Health

On Monday 23rd September, Mind Monmouthshire is joining forces with Monmouthshire County Council’s Sport and leisure team along with organisations across England and Wales to take part in ‘Mindful Monday’, as part of the European Week of Sport in partnership with ukactive.

As well as promoting the benefits of physical activity for mental health, all participants will be invited to participate in mindful activities on the day. The types of Mindful Monday activity’s on offer include a free circuits and mindfulness session at Chepstow leisure, along with free Mindfulness Tai Chi and Yoga sessions at Monmouth leisure and will be promoted through education settings. If you’re interested in getting involved please do get in touch!”

Through this work, Mind Monmouthshire will be supporting people experiencing mental health problems to engage in physical activity, go to the gym, or take up a new sport such as Football, Netball and Running to name a few. There is good evidence to suggest that, as well as improving physical health, regular exercise can boost your mood, help beat stress and even reduce risk of depression.

If you would like to take part and have a go at either session, please call the relevant leisure centre prior to book your place. To contact Chepstow Leisure centre please call   01291 635745 or Monmouth Leisure centre on 01600 775135. Please note Bookings are essential.

If anyone is interested in taking part in Mindful Monday in Monmouthshire please feel free to email info@mindmonmouthshire.org.uk People who want to show their support for Mindful Monday online can use the #BeActive and #MindfulMonday hashtags and tag in @mindinmon @MonSportDev

Matthew Pritchard From Mind Monmouthshire said “We all have mental health just as we have physical health and the two are closely related to one another. We know that physical activity can play a vital role in the lives of people with mental health problems. We’re really excited to be involved in Mindful Monday and to encourage more people with mental health problems to get engaged with physical activity”.

Paul Sullivan Monmouthshire Sport Development Team Lead said “Our team, along with colleagues in MonLeisure, are really excited to be teaming up with Mind Monmouthshire for the delivery and promotion of Mindful Monday.  Physical and mental health is so important for all individuals, the promotion of this cannot be underestimated.  Our inclusive pathway from pre-natal sessions through to GP referral programmes help create regular habits and promote active lifestyles.  We look forward to developing a successful partnership with local charity Mind Monmouthshire in the months to come.”   

Hayley Jarvis, Head of Physical Activity at National Mind said “While we all know that being more active is good for our physical health, it can also be really good for our mental health too, which is why we’re delighted to support Mind Monmouthshire as part of European Week of Sport and Mindful Monday.

We know that physical activity can be particularly important for people with mental health problems, as a way to break up racing thoughts and reduce feelings of stress. It can also reduce the risk of depression by up to 30%. Unfortunately, we also know that many people who do want to participate in sport are being held back by their mental health, whether that’s feelings of low self-confidence, exhaustion or fear of crowded spaces. We hope that initiatives like Mindful Monday can encourage more people to get involved both to support their own mental health, while also meeting others in their local community and having fun”.

 About Monmouthshire Sport Development and MonLeisure

Monmouthshire Sport Development is responsible for the delivery and promotion of physical activity across Education, Community and Leisure provision in Monmouthshire.  Through our sector leading work our aim is to help develop happy, healthy and confident young people who feel empowered to make a positive difference.  Supporting this project is our MonLeisure team who are responsible for the delivery of Monmouthshire’s four Leisure Centres.  MonLeisure’s aim is to provide safe, friendly and accessible facilities for all to engage in physical activity and be a central hub for the community. For more information please email sport@monmouthshire.gov.uk or visit www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/things-to-do/monleisure