#Prevention and Communities Grants Programme
The Better Health for life project is a wrap-around mental health support service which will create personalised pathways for individuals with poor mental health to make a tangible positive impact on their wellbeing.
A partnership between Better Pathways and Sport4Life to deliver, ‘Better Health 4 Life’, a Mental Health Service incorporating physical health education and activity into everyday life. Delivered by our Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, supported by a Better Pathways Personal Wellbeing Champion and the team at Sport4life and each participant will have weekly sessions for up to a maximum of 8-weeks. 

During the 8-weeks participants will have initial mental health and wellbeing assessments to gauge suitability and will then benefit from sessions to address personal barriers, and weekly sessions with a sports coach or mentor to complete appropriate activities alongside peer support in a social setting. 

Delivery will utilise a strengths-based approach, which focuses on the skills/assets of each participant, to develop their self-identified areas of strength, rather than focussing on any perceived ‘weaknesses’ leading to sustainable positive outcomes.

Mental Health and Wellbeing –  Some of the techniques used 

• ‘Behavioural Activation’ – A technique that will encourage citizens to increase their levels of activity even when they don’t feel like it to begin with - There is a close relationship between our activity and our mood. When we are feeling good, we spend time with people whose company we enjoy, do activities that make us feel good, and take on new tasks and adventures that challenge us as individuals. 

• ‘Cognitive reframing’ – A technique that identifies and changes the way situations, experiences, events, ideas, and/or emotions are viewed. It is the process by which such situations or thoughts are challenged and then changed.  Cognitive reframing is something that you can do at home or anytime you experience distorted thinking.
• ‘Relaxation Techniques’ – Such as meditation, mindfulness training, and exercise programmes, alongside education and inter-personal skill development.
• ‘Goal setting ‘– Using individualised milestones and sessions to encourage the participant to take ownership of their journey and all jointly agreed actions.

An example of appropriate Physical Activities: 

• Walking Groups 
• Running 
• Seated Exercise 
• Football  
• Keep-Fit sessions 
• Dancing 

An example of Social Activities 

• Mini-Golf 
• Cooking Class 
• Woodcraft Therapy 
• Arts and Crafts 
• Peer-Support 
• Coffee Mornings 

Our 4 stages of support are: 

Getting Started – Week 1 – Physical and mental health needs are assessed, and a Person-Centred Action Plan (PCAP) is co-produced including personalised interventions and activities and outlining weekly sessions with Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) and Mental Wellbeing Champion (MWC) and supported by the Sport4Life team. 

Getting Active – Weeks 2 to 4 – In line with the PCAP, Lifestyle and Behaviour change initiatives, Physical Education events and activities with Sport4Life, facilitated, peer-led group support sessions, and referrals to other community-based health and care services are implemented as appropriate. 

Staying Active – Weeks 5 to 7 - Mental health recovery strategies will be progressed, and community assets utilised to deliver PCAP long-term mental health and healthier lifestyle goals. 

Moving Forward – Week 8 Support networks will be embedded, and a personal resource pack, incorporating strategies to maintain mental and physical health and wellbeing, will be provided to sustain progress.  

Early intervention triggers will be agreed for rapid intervention to prevent relapse. We will identify early signs of disengagement and work with participants to overcome engagement barriers ensuring sustained longer-term impact. 

Post-Programme – light touch support and 3-month and 6-month reviews to measure impact and offer any additional support. 

This Project is for -  

• Citizens aged between 18-65 who are experiencing mild-moderate poor mental health that require short term intervention. 
• City wide delivery with some activity delivered at Better Pathways / Sport4Life but also out in the community. 

Particular focus on the following people  

• Older Adults  
• Citizens with Disabilities  
• Citizens with Poor Mental Health  
• Carers  

Referral into the service will be possible via the following routes; 

• Self-Referral via website or email - www.betterpathways.org.uk / disabilityinclusion@betterpathways.org.uk  
• Information sessions held in the community – Dates and venues to be confirmed. 
• Wellbeing Events – We will be attending local events at JCPs and third-party organisations 
• Third party referrals from within our large support networks 
• Third party referrals from any external organisation 

There is no cost to the participants attending this project. 

The project is running on an ongoing basis from 1st October 2023 to 30th September 2026 and individuals will be enrolled on a roll on roll off basis so there shouldn’t be any wait times to access the provision.  

Contact details or media links from above can be used as we are still creating our marketing materials for this project.