Armagh Tyrone Wellbeing Collective: Mindful Moves

Who are we?

Armagh Tyrone Wellbeing Collective is a community organisation that uses physical activity as our primary activity for better all round physical and mental wellbeing.  Our activities provide benefit to Individuals, underrepresented groups and families within the Armagh and Tyrone areas (as well as across NI), particularly those facing challenges related to mental health, social isolation, and wellbeing. 

Our focus is on supporting vulnerable populations, including those experiencing economic hardship, social exclusion, and / or mental health difficulties, by offering accessible and inclusive support programmes that promote mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. 

We do a lot of outdoor residential for better physical and mental health. 

Our community benefits from our programmmes by gaining access to much-needed mental health and wellbeing services tailored to the unique challenges faced by those we support. By providing our services, we ensure that support is accessible to all, particularly those who might not otherwise afford such services.

Our activities reduce social isolation, enhance community cohesion, and improve participants' overall quality of life. By focusing on preventative measures and early intervention, we aim to reduce the long-term impact of mental health issues on individuals and families, leading to a healthier, more resilient community.

We deliver educational workshops, peer support groups, and counselling services tailored to various age groups and community needs. 

We provide holistic wellbeing programmes, including mindfulness sessions, physical activity classes, and stress management workshops, designed to enhance both mental and physical health. 

We do outreach activities to reach isolated and vulnerable individuals within the community, including home visits, telephone support, and online resources. 

We partner with local healthcare providers, schools, and charities to create a network of support that is easily accessible to those in need. 

We run educational campaigns and events to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage community-wide participation in wellness activities. 

Why are we crowdfunding?

Our "Mindful Moves" project will be a series of new weekly group sessions over 12 weeks offering new accessible physical activities like yoga, mindfulness-based fitness classes, and a walking wellness group (all completely new programmes, for new target groups). 

The sessions will be tailored for underrepresented and vulnerable groups, particularly focusing on individuals and families facing mental health challenges, social isolation, and economic hardship in rural Markethill Armagh who have never took part in these types of programmes before.

The Key Components of our new "Mindful Moves" project is as follows:

Target Groups:

• People living in rural areas surrounding Markethill who have never took part in these types of initiatives before.
• People facing mental health disabilities who have never took part in these types of initiatives before.
• Families and individuals who are in greatest social need, and at risk of rural social isolation in Markethill (who have never took part in these types of initiatives before).
• Women and girls who have never took part in these types of initiatives before.

Activities (over 12 weeks):

• Weekly 2 hour Yoga and Mindfulness Classes: These will promote both physical flexibility and mental relaxation, helping participants reduce stress and anxiety.
• A new Group Walk: Led by a qualified walk instructor, this activity will encourage gentle exercise, social interaction, and mental resilience.
• Wellbeing Workshops: Integrated into the programme to provide education on managing mental health through physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices.

We will collaborate with local health professionals such as the health centre and GP , to ensure the programme reaches all who would benefit, and is inclusive and meets the needs of our community.

How It Aligns with Sport NI Objectives:

• Accessibility and Inclusion: The programme will specifically target people in rural areas surrouding Markethill, women and girls, and those with mental health challenges, addressing groups traditionally excluded from sport.
• New and Additional: This is not an existing activity but a new, structured approach to using physical activity as a tool for mental health support.
• Community Connection: Our project will strengthen community bonds and reduce social isolation, directly improving the participants' quality of life.

This project aligns well with Sport NI’s goal of using sport to "level the playing field" and create opportunities for underrepresented groups, while promoting physical activity and mental wellbeing.

How we’ll spend the money raised

We are fundraising to raise £4,000 to deliver 12 weeks of new programmes, which will cover the following:

- 2 hour per week Instructor fees for yoga and mindfulness over 12 weeks @ £30 per hour= £720. 

- Walking Instructor for 12 weeks to include fitness sessions (£720)

- 8 x mindfulness through physical activity sessions @ £150 per session= £1,200

- Equipment needed for activities (e.g., yoga mats, and holistic wellbeing equipment)= £960

- Marketing materials to promote the programme within the community (social media adds and some print media like leaflets)=£400

Community impact

The Armagh Tyrone Wellbeing Collective plays a vital role in supporting the entire rural community of Markethill by offering inclusive programmes that cater to a wide range of individuals and families. The benefits extend far beyond the immediate participants of these programmes, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the community.

Who Benefits:

• Individuals Facing Mental Health Challenges: By providing tailored support for people struggling with mental health issues, our organisation reduces the stigma around mental health and creates an environment where individuals can seek help, build resilience, and improve their quality of life.
• Families Experiencing Social Isolation or Economic Hardship: The wellbeing programmes offer much-needed social and emotional support for families who may feel isolated due to their rural location or financial difficulties. This helps strengthen family bonds and enables them to connect with other community members.
• Women and Girls: Specific initiatives target women and girls, offering them a safe and supportive space to engage in physical activity, build confidence, and improve their overall wellbeing.
• Older Adults: The collective offers opportunities for older residents to participate in physical and social activities, which not only improves their physical health but also combats loneliness and social isolation, which are prevalent in rural areas.
• Youth and Children: Young people benefit from structured activities that promote physical health, teamwork, and personal development, encouraging them to lead healthier and more active lives.

Why This Matters:

The work of our CIC is essential for addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities like Markethill, and across places like Cooksown in Tyrone were we also operate. These challenges include limited access to mental health services, fewer opportunities for social interaction, and a lack of resources for physical wellbeing. By offering free or programmes, o ur organisation ensures that even those who are economically disadvantaged can access the support they need.

Through early intervention, preventative measures, and community-building efforts, the collective not only improves the lives of individuals but also strengthens the overall cohesion and resilience of the Markethill community. This leads to a healthier, more connected, and more supportive rural environment for all residents.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!