Real impact
In early 2024, Mind Body Health (MBH) CIC was awarded funding to deliver our first fully funded places as part of a test and learn programme. The investment enabled us to work with 10 individuals over a 12-week period, supporting people facing complex barriers to physical activity and mental wellbeing.
This programme marked an important milestone for MBH. It allowed us to formally test our approach, learn what truly works in practice, and refine how we support people who are often unable to access traditional gyms or short-term interventions.
What We Delivered
Over the three months, participants received a bespoke package of support, shaped around their needs rather than a fixed gym model. This included:
Personalised physical activity support (gym-based, home-based, or both)
Weekly check-ins and 1:1 support calls
Small group and peer-supported sessions
Online support sessions
Nutritional guidance and habit support
Access to counselling where required
For the first time, we also worked alongside Community Link Workers and other health professionals, helping us better understand how MBH fits within the wider health and wellbeing system.
Why This Mattered
Many participants came to MBH experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, long-term health conditions, low confidence, or social isolation. Several disclosed suicidal thoughts prior to starting.
The programme showed that:
60% completed the full 12 weeks, with a further 20% completing most of the programme
Many participants improved confidence, routine, emotional regulation, and physical capability
Some went on to return to work, re-join sport, or transition into mainstream gyms
Others continued to receive informal support even when cost became a barrier
Crucially, this work helped us clearly identify that MBH is a support programme that uses movement — not just a gym programme with mental health add-ons.
Learning and Next Steps
As a test and learn phase, this programme was as much about reflection as delivery. Key learning included:
The need for flexible onboarding, sometimes over several weeks
The importance of longer-term support, beyond a 12-week model
The reality that many people need support away from the gym environment
The challenge of affordability for those who benefit most
The value of trust, consistency, and human connection over performance metrics
These insights have directly shaped how MBH now delivers services and how we approach future funding, partnerships, and programme design.