The Power of Our Roots!
- May 6
- 3 min read
Our journey began with a simple but powerful idea! to build a community where mental health is supported through connection and shared experiences. This idea took shape in 2022 at Ladywood Leisure Centre in Birmingham, where we partnered with More Leisure Trust to deliver our first intervention. That moment marked a breakthrough, not just for our project but for everyone involved. It showed how understanding and embracing our roots can strengthen mental health and inspire pride in how far we have come.
Where It All Began
Ladywood Leisure Centre became the backdrop for our first step toward creating a supportive space focused on mental health. The partnership with More Leisure Trust was crucial. Their commitment to community wellbeing aligned perfectly with our goal to offer interventions that connect people to their roots and to each other.
The intervention was designed to be more than just a program. It was a chance to bring people together, to share stories, and to build resilience through understanding where we come from. This approach recognises that mental health is deeply linked to identity and community. When people feel connected to their roots, they often find strength and hope.
The Power of Our Roots in Mental Health
Roots represent more than family history or cultural background, they form the foundation of identity and a vital source of strength. Mental wellbeing is strengthened when individuals feel grounded in their community and connected to their heritage.
At Ladywood Leisure Centre, a year-long pilot programme supported both physical and mental health through a structured, two-part intervention. Participants took part in one hour of low-intensity group exercise, followed by one hour of group discussion therapy led by registered mental health professionals.
The programme was designed for individuals from Black, Afro-Caribbean, and Asian communities in Birmingham experiencing low to moderate mental health challenges, such as isolation, depression, burnout, and low self-esteem. It also aimed to rebuild confidence for those seeking to return to gym environments in a supportive and inclusive setting.
By combining movement with guided discussion, the intervention created a safe, culturally aware space where participants could reconnect with their wellbeing, build peer support, and regain confidence at a manageable pace.
Being Proud of How Far We Have Come
One of the most powerful outcomes of the intervention was the sense of pride it fostered. Participants reflected on their journeys and began to recognise their own progress, an important driver for sustained wellbeing.
Celebrating even small milestones helped build confidence and encouraged continued engagement. At Ladywood Leisure Centre, individuals who once felt isolated began to reconnect with others, take ownership of their mental health, and embrace their identities with renewed strength.
Showcasing Our Breakthrough: The 2022 Video Promo
To capture the spirit of this breakthrough, we created a video promo highlighting the intervention at Ladywood Leisure Centre. The video showcases real moments of connection, learning, and celebration. It reflects the energy and hope that filled the centre during those sessions.
The promo serves as a reminder of what can happen when communities come together to support mental health. It also honors the courage of everyone who participated and shared their stories.
Practical Lessons from Our Experience
Our work at Ladywood Leisure Centre offers practical insights for those developing community-based mental health interventions:
Start with accessibility: Low-intensity exercise in a group setting can act as a gentle entry point for individuals who may feel intimidated by traditional gym environments.
Integrate physical and mental health support: Combining structured movement with group discussion therapy led by registered mental health professionals creates a more holistic and effective intervention.
Create culturally aware spaces: Designing programmes that reflect and respect the lived experiences of Black, Afro-Caribbean, and Asian communities helps participants feel seen, understood, and more willing to engage.
Build confidence gradually: Supporting individuals with low to moderate mental health challenges requires a paced approach that allows confidence and self-esteem to develop over time.
Foster peer support: Group-based formats encourage shared experiences, reduce isolation, and strengthen community connections.
Work in partnership: Collaborating with organisations such as More Leisure Trust enhances delivery capacity and broadens community reach.
These principles provide a framework for future programmes aiming to improve mental health through inclusive, community-driven approaches.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey
The success at Ladywood Leisure Centre marks an important starting point. We are committed to expanding this model, reaching more communities, and strengthening the impact of our interventions. Mental health is an ongoing journey, and consistent, accessible support is key to sustaining progress.
We encourage wider engagement in this work. Whether through participation, partnership, or advocacy, there is a shared responsibility in creating inclusive, supportive environments that promote stronger mental health across communities.
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