In this week’s episode, Jane and Gail have anopen and heartfelt chat about the powerful link between movement and mental health.
⚠️Trigger Warning: This episode includes honestdiscussion around living with poor mental health.
With over a million people currently on NHSwaiting lists, we take a look at the scale of the UK’s mental health crisis—and the impact it’s having on individuals, families and communities.
Jane and Gail also share their own experiences, reflecting on how movement, connection and friendship have helped them through some of life’s tougher moments.
We dig into the new 10-year strategy for Greater Manchester, what it could mean for the rest of the country, and why supporting grassroots, community-led projects might just be the key to long-term change.
A warm, honest and hopeful conversation aboutwhat really helps when times get tough.
Editor: Yusuf Nazar
Facts and figures:
Hansard – Access to NHS Mental Health Services – “15 Oct2024 — A staggering 1 million people are waiting to access mental health services”
MIND – “1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England”
Mental Health Foundation – Schizophrenia: statistics – “Aerobic exercise, such as using the treadmill, walking or cycling, performed for 30 to 40 minutes threetimes a week for at least 12 weeks, was effective at improving mental health outcomes in people with schizophrenia”
The Times - “Stop giving millions of sick notes and send patients to gym, GPs told”BBC version - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyx880d1w8o
Gov.uk – “Suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under the age of 50”
GMCA, “Voices of Greater Manchester”
Greater Manchester 10 year strategy
NHS – 5 Ways to Wellbeing
Harvard – “Loneliness has same risk as smoking for heartdisease”
Crisis contacts:
Dial 999: in a life-threatening emergency. In a mental health emergency dial 111 and press option 2
Samaritans: Whatever you’re going through Samaritans will go through it with you. Volunteers on the end of a phone 24 hours a day. Call 116 123.
HopelineUK: if you’re under 35, call Papyrus on 0800 068 4141 – Lines are open 24 hours every day of the year (including weekends and bank holidays)
For ongoing support on your mental health and wellbeing contact your GP surgery.
