New research explores long term impact of exercise on mental health

Since 2010, Sport in Mind have been working to improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems through sport and physical activity, and we see first hand everyday the positive impact sport can have on those suffering.

Now, in a first of its kind, Sport in Mind are working with Berkshire Healthcare and Chichester University to examine the long term impact of community physical activity programmes on people with mental health problems. The longitudinal study, conducted over a period of 3 years, will provide a robust understanding of the experiences of those who take part in the programmes and how it has impacted on their mental health.

Sreedevi Laxman, PhD Researcher at Chichester University and facilitator for Sport In Mind said:

“I joined Sport in Mind as a Community Activator in 2021, working with individuals with severe mental illnesses and used the tool of sport and physical activity in their recovery journey. Now as a PhD researcher, I have this wonderful opportunity to tell stories of people who have experienced the benefits of physical activity through Sport in Mind’s sessions and how it has helped them in their recovery journey. I’m very excited to work with Sport in Mind, the University of Chichester and Berkshire Healthcare to bring to life the stories and journeys of people who deliver and access Sport in Mind’s sessions”.

The study provides a fantastic opportunity to further explore the impact of Sport in Mind's groundbreaking programmes, delivered alongside the NHS, taking us one step further to transform the nation's mental health through sport.