Boost your mood with Wirral's new Active Minds scheme

If you’re looking to give your mental health a lift, Wirral residents now have a fantastic new option right on their doorstep.

The Active Minds scheme, launched by Wirral Council’s Active Wirral service in partnership with NHS Wirral Talking Therapies, is designed to help locals feel better mentally by encouraging them to get out, explore, and enjoy the best of what the borough has to offer.

The project is a partnership effort, working across the council’s Neighbourhood Services such as Active Wirral leisure, Libraries, Parks and Countryside, Museums and the Floral Pavilion, and offers activities in different places where participants can collect stamps for a ‘passport’.

A Wirral Council spokesperson, said: “The passport harnesses the power of some of our fantastic leisure and cultural facilities in Wirral, to help people make active choices to improve their wellbeing.

“Being outdoors, connecting with others and learning new skills to improve mental and physical health is huge, and this partnership will enable us to understand how we can support local people to improve their mental health.”

The scheme aims to help people feel better by encouraging them to move more, explore their communities, connect with people and discover what’s already out there – offering free and affordable activities as an incentive.

Some of the free activities available on the scheme include:

1 round of golf at Arrowe Park Pitch and Putt
5 free book reservations at Wirral Libraries
Invigor8 3 days passes, to make the most of Wirral Leisure Centres or other activities
1 tour of the Williamson Art Gallery
1 free coffee at the Floral Pavilion Café

Active Minds is aimed at people who have taken the first steps to talk more with NHS Wirral Talking Therapies. NHS Wirral Talking Therapies is led by Everyturn Mental Health, a non-profit organisation providing mental health services on behalf of the NHS. Everyturn have funded the project via their innovation fund to improve their services in Wirral.

Samantha Lee, Community Development Team Manager at Everyturn, said: “Our physical wellbeing and mental health are intrinsically connected and there are so many ways that we can improve our wellbeing right here on our doorstep.

“This partnership with Wirral Council has meant we can support individuals to become more active and involved with the local community. There is something for everyone. We are so excited to launch this program and see how it improves the lives of those that engage with it.”

The initiative will be offered to everyone who is eligible for talking therapies. Those eligible will receive their own passport and be encouraged to get involved with what is on their doorstep.