Health and wellbeing (Mindlift)

This introductory course is for adults living with or recovering from a mental health condition. It provides a safe, welcoming, and supportive space to explore therapeutic journalling as a tool for wellbeing. You will be introduced to simple journalling techniques through guided prompts, creative activities, reflective writing and supportive group work. The focus in term 1 is to develop a regular journalling practice to begin exploring thoughts, feelings, events, the everyday and memories. No writing experience required.

This course is for adults living with, or recovering from a mental health condition. Capoeira is a gentle, flowing activity, originally developed in Brazil, that combines movement, rhythm, and simple partner interaction. It is often described as a mix of dance, game, and martial art, but on this course it is adapted to be slow, accessible, and non-contact. This term introduces participants to basic movements and rhythm in a safe and supportive environment. Sessions focus on building routine and comfort while encouraging people to stay present in their bodies. Through repeated movement, breathing, and rhythm, participants will begin to experience mindfulness, helping to reduce anxiety and increase a sense of calm and awareness.

This course is for adults living with or recovering from mental health conditions. The course accommodates mixed abilities and learning levels, where you can work at your own pace in a supportive, non-competitive environment where creativity, confidence, social interaction, and wellbeing are valued as highly as technical skills. Each 2-hour session includes: practical crochet instruction and supported practice; opportunities for peer learning and knowledge sharing; embedded mindfulness and wellbeing activity approximately halfway through the session; individual project development; and portfolio building through samples, photographs, notes, and reflective observations.
In term 1, learners are introduced to basic crochet techniques and essential stitches while developing confidence in a relaxed and supportive environment with emphasis placed on mindfulness and building positive social connections through shared creative experiences.

This course is for adults living with or recovering from a mental health condition who have varying levels of social, physical and educational development. Through accessible and engaging art activities, you will explore creativity as a tool for mindfulness, self-expression, confidence building and wellbeing. The course encourages participation, reflection and social connection in a supportive environment. In term 3, you will explore collage and participate in collaborative group activities in preparation for an end-of-year exhibition. Using selected artwork from previous terms, you will be encouraged to create playful, imaginative mixed-media pieces. The term focuses on confidence building, self-reflection, communication and shared achievement, through exhibition planning and presentation.

This course is for adults living with, or recovering from a mental health condition. This introductory term focuses on creating a safe, supportive environment where participants can begin to explore yoga as a tool for managing anxiety and stress. Emphasis is placed on simple, accessible movements, breath awareness, and grounding techniques. Sessions are gently paced, with clear, repeated instructions to support those who may struggle with processing or confidence. Adaptations are offered to suit all physical abilities. You will begin developing body awareness, emotional regulation skills, and a sense of routine. This course also introduces you to sound bowl meditation to promote physical and mental benefits through resonant vibrations, creating a rich multi-dimensional environment where you can reset and restore.

This gentle hatha yoga course for adults living with or recovering from mental health conditions. It aims to focus on improving balance, flexibility, mobility and strength with use of props, variations and adjustments to ensure you can reach your full potential. Through various mindfulness techniques you will be encouraged to develop mind and body awareness within a safe and inclusive environment, as well as sharing your experience in group discussions or partner work to build confidence and self belief. This course also introduces you to sound bowl meditation to promote physical and mental benefits through resonant vibrations, creating a rich multi-dimensional environment where you can reset and restore.

Breathing techniques, relaxation and meditation aim to promote a relaxed state of mind reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety which can often improve mental wellbeing. Combining a holistic approach to health and mental wellbeing, you might experience improvements in sleep, concentration and coping mechanisms when feeling overwhelmed.
There are three courses across the year, suitable for all levels of ability, where you can continue to develop your practice.

This inclusive course is for adults living with or recovering from a mental health condition, to explore movement, acting, and creative expression in a relaxed and supportive environment. Activities are practical, visual, and easy to follow, with clear demonstrations and repetition to build confidence. You will use your bodies, faces, and voices to explore feelings, characters and simple storytelling. There are three courses across the year, focusing on enjoyment, progression in communication, and self-expression, and supporting confidence, social interaction, coordination and wellbeing. In term 1, you will explore characterisation through storytelling, games, discussion, and Stanislavski’s toolkit. You will begin to develop an understanding of characters, emotions, thoughts, and behaviours while reflecting on yourself and others. You will share a short group performance at the end of the term.

This course is for adults living with, or recovering from a mental health condition. It is an introduction to Brazilian-style dance using simple, low-impact steps inspired by Samba Reggae, Axé, and Samba and will also include Zumba-style movements, adapted to be slow, repetitive, and easy to follow.
You will take part in short sequences set to uplifting Brazilian music, building coordination and confidence. Mindfulness is introduced through breathing, body awareness, and focus on rhythm, to support relaxation and reduce anxiety. The emphasis is on enjoyment, routine, and feeling comfortable in movement.