SERVICE DETAILS
We’re back, but with a few changes
We’re so happy to be back delivering this programme again. Like everyone, we’ve had to adapt for COVID-19. Things might be a little different and not all our activities will be starting immediately but our friendly team of instructors are here to welcome you back and help you stay active with us in a safe, but most of all enjoyable way.
For now, we can support participants in a range of ways, including digital one-to-ones, one-to-one supported gym sessions, in-venue classes and outdoor sessions. We also have some pre-recorded low-level classes which we hope you will enjoy and which you can do from the comfort of your home, please see https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/fitness-at-home/home-exercises.
Our team are contacting participants to let them know about this support. You can also get in touch with us by emailing active@edinburghleisure.co.uk or calling 0131 458 2260.
Normal service details...
It is estimated that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life. Mental health affects us all with the most commonly experienced mental health problem being depression. Healthy Active Minds is a physical activity referral project for inactive adults aged 18 years and over with mild to moderate depression, stress, anxiety or low mood. This project aims to introduce individuals with mild to moderate depression, stress or anxiety to regular physical activity, to a company or act as an alternative form of treatment.
The project offers adults (referred by a GP) the following:
- Specialist support on lifestyle changes and motivational support
- Advice to help create a unique physical activity plan, which includes a number of options including swimming, walking, yoga and gym
- Participants’ progress will be reviewed at interval stages throughout their journey
- Participants will be encouraged to remain active once they have completed the programme
Activity guidelines – keeping each other safe
When attending our venues…
- We ask that anyone feeling ill or showing signs of COVID-19 do not attend our venues and follow NHS guidelines
- All activities must be pre-booked (please download the Edinburgh Leisure App)
- Please arrive ready for your activity and no more than 5 minutes prior to it starting
- Follow the safety guidance in place in the venue including wearing face-coverings in non-activity areas
- Use the hand sanitiser before and after your session/activity
Physical activity can benefit mental health & well being in a variety of ways:
- Raising confidence, improving self-esteem and gaining control
- Improving thinking skills
- Improving self worth and personal control by mastering an activity
- Distracting from more stressful parts of life
- Giving a sense of belonging, having fun and being active as a group
Exercise decreases the stress hormones such as cortisol and increases endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural feel good chemicals, and when they are released through exercise, your mood is boosted naturally. As well endorphins, exercise also releases adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine. These chemicals work together to make you feel good.
If you are a GP making a referral please complete a referral form available from the development officer and return to the address below.
Healthy Active Minds, Edinburgh Leisure, Vantage Point, 3 Cultins Road, Edinburgh EH11 4DF.
For further information, please get in touch.
