What people have said about Healthworks activities:
Crochet at Dalgarno Trust:
‘Thank you so much to Souad for teaching us so well and helping us all learn this skill and Walaa for helping keep this group running and to everyone for making this crochet course so enjoyable and relaxing for me.’
‘I’ve managed to learn crochet despite my health issues with my lovely teacher’s efforts, I never thought I will be able to make it and I did. I always look forward to coming to the session to learn and to gather with the lovely group.’
‘Thank you, ladies, for letting me join Crocheid class regardless of my circumstances, arriving late. We have a wonderful teacher. At my age 74, starting this new skill is not easy at all but Souad encourages me to be a better Crotched’
‘Thanks to everyone for making a great effort for crochet course and for supporting us.special thank you for Wala and Souad without them we would not be able to continue crocheting. Please keep it up’
Al-Hasaniya- self-empowerment group
Ms T registered for the self-empowerment group in May 2023 when it first began. Since she started attending, she has noticed a big change in herself. She has reported feeling more confident and has made two new friendships which have turned her life around in a good way. She went from feeling lonely to being supported by the group and her new friends. The group decided to read a book that they chose altogether. They report back at every session on how the book was and what they thought of it. This reading club has made Ms T get into reading books more which is a great achievement, and the benefits are endless, from improving her English and vocabulary to improving her mental health and allowing herself to switch off and relax more.
Al-Manaar-Walking Group:
Mrs M was very pleased to join the 6-weeks walking course, she is a widow living by herself, she had diabetes and high level of Cholesterol, the GP advised her to do exercise. She is one of our project members, she preferred to join the walking programme especially during the summer.
Her friends encouraged her to attend the course, as they have attended the course in the past and they really benefited.She also felt lonely and isolated. She said the course was so nice it was lovely to see people around her from different background. Being with the group encourage her to do more steps, enjoyed the environment, the fresh air and green space around her.
During this course we changed the places we went for walking. One day we walked around the palace. She was so glad to see the new sight of the palace and the amazing green area and the fresh air around it.
She benefited from this course; this type of activity helped her reduce the high level of sugar in her blood. she generally enjoyed the experience of walking with the group.
Minds United Football Club:
This case study focuses on RC, a 22-year-old individual who was recently discharged from St. Charles Mental Health Centre. Initially shy and reserved, RC’s life took a positive turn as he began actively participating in the community through his involvement with the Minds United FC team. This case study examines the transformative effect that regular participation in Friday night Football sessions had on RC’s overall well-being.
RC’s journey towards improved mental health began during his time at St. Charles Mental Health Centre, where he received treatment and support for his mental health condition. Shyness and difficulty in socialising were key challenges faced by RC during his stay at the centre.
Following his discharge, RC was encouraged to join Minds United FC, a local community football team that aimed to foster social connections and promote mental well-being through physical activity. Initially hesitant, RC decided to give it a try, driven by a desire to overcome his shyness and engage with others in a supportive environment.
The positive impact of RC’s involvement in Minds United FC became apparent almost immediately. Through regular attendance at the Friday night Football sessions, RC gradually started to open up and communicate more effectively with his teammates. The team’s friendly and inclusive atmosphere provided RC with the confidence to express himself and share his thoughts and feelings.
RC’s improved communication skills also paved the way for building meaningful relationships. He started making friends within the team, sharing common interests and experiences. The camaraderie among teammates helped RC develop a sense of belonging and strengthened his support network.
The consistent participation in Friday night Football sessions had a profound impact on RC’s overall well-being. Physical exercise, coupled with the social interactions and emotional support received from teammates, contributed to positive changes in RC’s mental health.
Regular physical activity provided an outlet for RC to release stress and tension, promoting a more positive outlook on life. Exercise has long been associated with the release of endorphins, which can enhance mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. RC’s increased engagement in physical activity positively affected his overall mental and emotional well-being.
Furthermore, the newfound friendships within the team provided RC with a strong support system. The sense of community and shared experiences instilled a sense of purpose and belonging in RC’s life. Having friends who understood and accepted him unconditionally boosted RC’s self-esteem and confidence.
RC’s journey from shyness and social withdrawal to improved communication and enhanced overall well-being exemplifies the transformative impact of community sports. The involvement in Minds United FC’s Friday night Football sessions enabled RC to overcome his initial reservations and develop important life skills, such as effective communication, friendship building, and teamwork.
This case study highlights the crucial role that community sports can play in promoting mental health and fostering a sense of belonging. RC’s story underscores the importance of providing individuals with safe and inclusive spaces to engage in physical activities and connect with others, ultimately contributing to their holistic well-being.
