The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 is #MomentsforMovement. One of the best ways to protect our mental health is movement. Even a short burst of 10 minutes' brisk walking can boost our mood and increase our mental alertness and energy.
At The Recovery College we want to promote some of the fantastic fitness groups that are available across the Black Country. Most of them are free and open to anyone. We want to encourage you to take the first step by having a look through these activities and see if any catch your eye! Let us know if you attend any of these groups and how you get on!
- The NHS have written an article all about Walking, they offer some great advice such as making sure you have appropriate footwear and tips for staying motivated! Click here: Walking for health - NHS
- Next we have the Black Country Activity Finder created by Active Black Country. On this website you can select your location on the map and you will see the different activities available in your area, with the timings, location and price (if there is a cost). It is easy to use and you can book/reserve your place all on one website! Click here: Search for Activities | Active Black Country
- As the weather improves there are many fitness groups in parks across the Black Country such as Park Yoga operating in Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Dudley. These sessions are totally free and run every Sunday through the summer. Click on this link to find the location near you with all the times and dates. Park Yoga
- The British Heart Foundation have created a great video a 10 minute Living Room Workout. It doesn't require any fancy gym equipment, you can do it from your own home. Click here to watch: British Heart Foundation - 10 minute living room workout
If you are a football fan, the Wolves Foundation, Walsall Foundation and Albion Foundation all offer a range of Physical Activities that you can get involved in
- The Albion Foundation offer a programme called 'Fit Baggies' which is a 10 week Fitness programme for people living in Sandwell, you can read more about the requirements for this on their website. The foundation also have a community scheme called Active Greenspaces across Sandwell and Dudley with many different activities that are free of charge. Follow this link for all the information: Focus On: Our Projects | West Bromwich Albion
- Wolves Foundation offer: Walking Football and Walking Cricket sessions for Over 50s and Women's Football for 18+ Physical Activities - Wolves Foundation
- Walsall FC Foundation offer Mental Health Football Sessions every Thursday. Participants enjoy an hour of football followed by a social in the community room. In this safe and friendly environment, they can chat to coaches, each other, and mental health professionals. Mental Health - (walsallfcfoundation.com)
At The Recovery College we offer Health Walks and Gardening courses across each of our bases. If you are enrolled as a student with us, contact the college to register your interest for these courses.
If you're interested in joining the College or have any questions, please get in touch. We can be reached via phone: 0121 543 4061 or email: