Boxing clever: members of the Active Minds boxercise class celebrate the news of the London Sport Awards recognition

A Croydon-based service which boosts mental well-being through sport and physical activity collected the trophy for the Health and Well-being category at the London Sport Awards at a prestigious ceremony staged at the Guildhall in the City last week.

Now in its 16th year, the Mind in Croydon service, Active Minds, was commended for going beyond physical activity, creating a sense of community, friendship and peer support to its members.

Jo Darville, who manages Mind in Croydon’s Active Minds, said, “It is so important that we continue to champion physical activity as a transformative way to improve mental health.

“I hope that the award highlights the value of projects like ours and the immense positive community impact it has. We are tailormade to support people through any anxieties in getting more active, at their own pace and in an inclusive, welcoming environment.

“Our staff, volunteers and coaches really care, and our members show a truly supportive community spirit with one another. When everyone is struggling with the cost of living and those experiencing poor mental health at a higher risk of poverty, providing these groups for free is a lifeline.

“With the Section 114 notice on Croydon Council meaning there are drastically reduced support services available in the community, it’s vital funders get behind third sector organisations like Mind in Croydon, to prevent people from needing more intrusive and medicalised mental health interventions.”

Well-minded: receiving the award at the Guildhall last week, Mind in Croydon’s Emma Turner (left) and Jo Darville with Helen Thompson (right)

Active Minds has received significant grants from the City Bridge Foundation and Sport England. Only that has enabled it to continue to provide a weekly schedule of activity sessions including tennis, badminton, tai chi, gardening, boxercise, cycling, walking and yoga, as well as mindfulness and relaxation.

Last year, almost 400 people attended and benefited from using the Active Minds service.

But to continue with the project, they need to find funding for coaches and venues each year.

Active Minds member, Ben Mayhew, has been attending for 16 years. He spoke about the impact of the project: “I was in a place of no hope. Then I went to the allotment. I like growing things and eating them. I’ve made friends here. It’s uplifting, it gets me in a good mood. I like the tai chi. Cycling round the track and getting fit is really good too.”

• 61% of their members report that their level of activity has increased since accessing Active Minds
• 56% feel their mental health has improved
• 39% feel their social networks have improved.

Amala Poulier, coach of the popular weekly boxercise sessions, said “I have watched the group grow in confidence, resilience and strength. The group’s dynamics have also developed over the last year and it is truly inspiring to observe.

“Despite the varied ages and abilities of the members in the group, they pull together to support and encourage one another, whilst having a giggle along the way!”

• People can get more information and support for their mental health or donate to Mind in Croydon online at www.mindincroydon.org.uk

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