A North-East leisure trust has secured a £4,000 boost to deliver community based physical activity programmes with people experiencing mental health issues, which can affect one in four of us.

The Active Healthy Minds project, led by Sport Aberdeen in partnership with the Aberdeen Mental Health & Wellbeing Network, offers access to a wide range of physical activity sessions to improve the health and wellbeing of adults with mental health issues by promoting self-management. The announcement comes as part of mental Health Awareness week.

People can take part in activities ranging from live well circuits classes and supported gym sessions to trying fun new sports and activities such as walking football and pickleball.  Confidence in Water classes are also on offer for those who would like to feel more confident and comfortable and increase their skills in the swimming pool.

The project was launched after Sport Aberdeen won a bid to the Health Improvement Fund facilitated by Public Health, Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership (formerly the Community Health Partnership).

Commenting, Sport Aberdeen Inclusion Development Officer Andrinne Craig said:

“We’re delighted that the Active Healthy Minds Project has secured this significant funding boost.

“It means that Sport Aberdeen can continue to create opportunities and change lives through physical activity. Our programmes provide a safe and sociable place for participants to enjoy physical activity.  When people find an activity they really enjoy, we are able to signpost them to regular classes across the City.