Foundation launches Mental Health Improvement programme

Foundation of Light, in partnership with Washington Mind, are launching a new programme to help them improve their mental health and overall wellbeing, with a FREE taster session this Thursday. ‘Get Set To Go’ helps people find the physical activity right for them so they can enjoy the physical, social and mental benefits of being active. It is well documented that physical activity can contribute to positive mental health, but the programme also emphasises the importance of friendships and social connections which are also considered important in developing and maintaining positive mental health. A special free ‘taster’ session where people can chat to staff to find out more and try a range of the activities on offer is being held at the Beacon of Light, Sunderland this Thursday (19^th September) 1-3pm. The programme will then run over 12, weekly sessions (every Thursday, 1-3pm) helping people improve their overall health and create new friendships completely free of charge to those taking part.

“We’re very proud to be able to offer this programme in Sunderland and give people the chance to improve their mental and physical health. Anxiety, depression and low confidence are just some of the challenges that we come across on a daily basis and with ‘Get Set to Go’ we have a programme that specifically targets those problems, helps those living with them live happier and healthier lives.”

Foundation of Light Head of Sport and Wellbeing, Liz Barton-Jones

The Get Set to Go programme launched in 2015. Since then, more than 3,500 people with mental health problems have benefited and tried out new activities in a relaxed and friendly environment.  An independent research team from Loughborough University conducted a two-year study which showed that 78% of people rated it as very good or excellent after just 6 months. People with mental health problems who have taken part in the programme say that it not only increased their activity levels over a 12-month period, but also helped them feel more resilient and better able to cope with challenging life events. The hope is that people in the Sunderland, Washington and Coalfields area will benefit from this new phase of Get Set to Go. In this new phase of the programme, Mind aims to support over 120,000 people with mental health problems across the country to be more active through its work in communities and partners in the sport sector. The programme is funded by Sport England, the National Lottery and our ‘On Your Side’ partnership with the English Football League (EFL). For more information contact Kevin Darke on 0191 5634746 or kevin.darke@foundationoflight.co.uk 'Get Set to Go' is delivered as part of the 'Heads First' portfolio of mental health programmes partially inspired by the 'Give A Quid for Mental Health' campaign.