Fareham College’s on-site fitness centre, Gym 141, has teamed up with local mental health charity, Solent Mind, to offer service users free access to exercise facilities.

Solent Mind forms part of a network of 140 ‘local minds’, and provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem in the Hampshire area. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote greater understanding of mental health. Their promise is to not give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets the support they need and the respect they deserve.

The collaboration with Gym 141 forms part of an effort to reduce anxiety and improve wellbeing through sport and exercise. Emma Dunbar, Senior Wellbeing Advisor at Solent Mind, said: “My focus is on diet, sleep hygiene and exercise to help manage mental wellbeing. There is a well-known link between exercise and mental wellbeing, however, many of our clients are very anxious about making the start. With the right support from Gym 141 they can access the correct facilities which will help to push the boundaries on their mental health recovery journey.”

Gym 141 and Solent Mind hope that once the clients get into a good fitness routine, it will empower them to continue with physical activities both in the community and outside of services.

Matt Bellows, Sports Centre Supervisor at Gym 141, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with such a great charity as Solent Mind. We all know the reasons why physical activity is good for your body, but people often don’t realise the great benefits it can have to your mind and mental health too. We’re looking forward to supporting the local charity in their inspired effort to improve their clients’ recovery journeys with the use of our fantastic facilities.”