The Soma Space, an organization known for its trauma-informed approach to integrating physical activity with mental health care, has received a £14,000 grant from the UK’s National Lottery. The funding will help extend its Movement for Mental Health programmes, aiming to promote long-term exercise and improve mental well-being.
The grant from the National Lottery Community Fund will allow The Soma Space, based in Oswestry, UK, to extend its flagship programme from six to 16 weeks, creating a more sustainable connection between exercise and mental health.
“Our programme combines movement with psychoeducation to offer a holistic intervention for individuals living with mental health conditions,” said Jo Hazell-Watkins, co-founder of The Soma Space. “Our goal is to introduce people to exercise, often for the first time, as a way to manage their mental health. We incorporate a trauma-informed approach, which is essential for understanding our clients’ unique needs.”
The Movement for Mental Health programmes consist of weekly 90-minute sessions, during which participants are encouraged to check in, track their progress, and reflect on how exercise impacts their mood and psychological state. The sessions offer a range of activities, including strength training, boxercise, and Tai Chi, to help individuals find a form of exercise that resonates with them.
“We co-facilitate the sessions with a mental health professional and a strength coach,” Hazell-Watkins explained. “This allows us to support participants in both their mental and physical health. The cost of such specialized support would typically be out of reach for our target population, but the funding ensures that the programme is available to them at no cost.”
Starting an exercise routine can be intimidating, particularly for those with mental health challenges. However, Hazell-Watkins noted that participants often experience significant benefits by the end of the eight-week course, with many feeling more comfortable integrating exercise into their daily mental health care. By extending the programme’s duration, The Soma Space aims to increase long-term adherence to physical activity.
“We’ve found that, over time, participants start to experience the benefits of regular exercise,” Hazell-Watkins said. “Doubling the length of the programme will help individuals become more accustomed to exercise and increase their likelihood of continuing it as part of their mental health journey.”
The Soma Space accepts referrals from healthcare professionals, mental health experts, and self-referrals through their website. On average, 90 percent of participants go on to join other groups supported by membership fees.
“We meet people who have reached out for help and are dealing with mental health difficulties such as social anxiety, depression, generalized anxiety, and PTSD,” Hazell-Watkins explained. “The hardest part is simply walking through the door, and we never underestimate the courage it takes for someone struggling with low mood and anxiety to take that first step.”
The Soma Space’s welcoming, low-pressure environment aims to make participants feel at ease. With no mirrors, minimal equipment, and no loud music, the space fosters a calm and supportive atmosphere for individuals to work at their own pace. The sense of community is also vital, with many participants developing lasting friendships and support networks as they navigate their mental health journeys together.
“We take each person as an individual, meeting them where they are,” Hazell-Watkins said. “Community is essential at The Soma Space, and we’ve seen many connections form here, with individuals finding comfort in knowing others understand their struggles, even if they don’t share their experiences aloud.”
