Following the success and learning from our initial test and learn programme, Mind Body Health (MBH) CICsecured National Lottery funding to expand our work and support 30 local people experiencing significant mental health challenges.
This funding allows MBH to move beyond testing and into scaled, structured delivery, while still holding onto the flexibility and person-centred approach that proved vital in our earlier funded programme.
What This Programme Delivers
The National Lottery funded programme provides a 12-week holistic wellbeing journey, supporting participants across the seven dimensions of health: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, occupational, environmental and spiritual wellbeing.
Participants engage in:
Three supported small-group movement sessions per week
Weekly group education sessions covering mental health, burnout, sleep, mindset and stress
1:1 support and check-ins, tailored to individual needs
Access to counselling support, where required
A coaching app and weekly lifestyle check-ins, enabling early intervention and ongoing guidance
Delivery takes place across three cohorts of 10 people, ensuring a safe, supportive and non-overwhelming environment.
Who This Programme Supports
This programme is designed for adults within the Wigan Borough who are experiencing poor mental health and face barriers to accessing mainstream support. Many participants are affected by:
Anxiety, depression and chronic stress
Trauma and emotional burnout
Financial pressure linked to the cost-of-living crisis
Long-term health conditions
Social isolation and low confidence
Local partnership working plays a crucial role. MBH works alongside community organisations, charities, the local authority and NHS services to ensure support reaches those who need it most.
Proven Impact, Shaped by the Community
This programme has been co-designed with the community. Feedback gathered from over 300 local residents showed that 92% wanted a longer version of the programme to help them maintain progress.
Evaluation from earlier delivery showed:
Confidence and motivation more than doubled
80% reported improvements in mental health, sleep and energy levels
Participants described feeling calmer, more resilient and better able to manage daily stress
One participant shared that the programme “stopped the suicidal thoughts.”
Another said it “helped me cope so I don’t fall back into depression or anxiety.”
These outcomes underline the preventative, life-changing value of this work.
Why This Funding Matters
This programme directly responds to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and its impact on mental health. By offering early, consistent and relationship-based support, MBH helps people rebuild confidence, develop coping strategies, and reconnect with themselves and their community — long before crisis point.