Kerry's Message for Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

 It's Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme for this year is Movement. #MomentsforMovement

Throughout this week, 5 of our staff members will be exploring how physical movement has an impact on their mental health. Our first message is from The Recovery College Principal, Kerry Wilkes.

Kerry writes - Movement and physical activity is a big part of me staying mentally and physically well and having the resilience to deal with what everyday life can bring.

My current routine is that Monday to Friday I go to the gym at 5.30am, I find this a fantastic way to start my day, it gives me more energy and a space to think and reflect on the day before and day ahead.

The benefits I have found have been improved sleep, reduced anxiety and a general sense of feeling better in myself.

At the weekend I may go to the gym to run or just to do a bit of movement.

I currently do a mixture of strength training and cardio, so weights, running, Stairmaster, rowing. However I love most activities and try to find different ways to move, like yoga , HIT training or taking a walk or gentle road run.

Being active doesn't have to mean expensive gym memberships or even leaving the house. During the pandemic I stayed active by using YouTube and following various trainers that shared exercises routines and by getting outside and enjoying moving in nature.

This week we will be sharing various ways to be active and how to access cost effective of free local activities so I hope you all find these beneficial and explore how being more active could be part of your every day lives.

Thank you Kerry for your thoughts! Come back tomorrow to read a message from another one of the team here at The Recovery College.

The Recovery College provides an educational learning environment for people who have an interest in, or personal difficulties with, mental health. Our courses celebrate our successes and build on existing skills and strategies.

For information about our courses you can contact the college by calling: 0121 543 4061 or send an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..