Oswestry’s unique wellbeing-focused gym, The Soma Space, has been awarded a significant £14,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. The funding is earmarked to expand its innovative “Movement for Mental Health” program, further supporting individuals grappling with mental health challenges through a blend of physical activity and psychotherapy.
A Holistic Approach to Health and Fitness
Established two years ago by psychotherapist and fitness instructor Kevin Braddock, alongside personal trainer and trauma-informed strength coach Jo Hazell-Watkins, The Soma Space was founded on the principle of integrating physical exercise with mental wellbeing. Unlike traditional gyms, it offers a holistic approach, combining strength training with psychotherapy to provide comprehensive support for both body and mind.
The gym’s core mission revolves around addressing the critical “how” of exercise for those with mental health struggles. Mr. Braddock emphasized that while the benefits of exercise on mental health are widely recognized, many individuals face significant barriers in knowing how to begin, what to do, and who to exercise with. The Soma Space aims to bridge this gap, providing a safe and supportive environment.
Expanding the “Movement for Mental Health” Program
The newly secured £14,000 lottery grant will enable The Soma Space to significantly extend its signature “Movement for Mental Health” online program. Originally designed as a 6-8 week course, the funding will allow it to be expanded to a 16-week duration, fostering a more sustainable engagement with exercise for participants. This extension is crucial for increasing the likelihood of long-term adherence to exercise as part of their mental health care.
The program combines movement and psychoeducation, offering a holistic intervention tailored for those living with mental illness. Ms. Hazell-Watkins highlighted that the co-facilitation by a mental health professional and a strength coach ensures comprehensive support for both mental and physical health. Crucially, the funding makes this specialized support accessible to their target population at no cost, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent access.
Accessibility and Community Impact
The Soma Space embraces an inclusive model, accepting self-referrals as well as referrals from social care workers and General Practitioners (GPs). This multi-faceted referral system ensures that a wide range of individuals can access their services, particularly those who might find traditional gym environments daunting or inaccessible due to their mental health state. The gym creates a private space where individuals can start moving comfortably, even with minimal equipment or space, by focusing on basic movements like squats or walks.
One client, Imogen, shared her experience of being nervous about gyms previously, perceiving them as places only for “super fit and super strong” individuals, underscoring the welcoming and trauma-informed environment that The Soma Space provides. The development of friendships and training partnerships within the space further enhances the feeling of safety and support, as clients often come from similar experiences and find understanding amongst peers. On average, 90% of clients from the funded program transition to other membership-based groups, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in fostering sustained engagement with physical activity.
