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I cannot help but see this as my ‘pet project’, as my passions in mental health are advocating the dramatic benefits of regular (group) exercise upon mental health and introducing new folk (and returners) to the life-changing benefits of physical wellbeing activities.
Back in 2005 – after first starting work for AiW – I realised how easy it would be to add exercise and peer support groups to our services, using personal experiences from how I’ve maintained my own mental health through regular exercise. I also knew (from having managed a Mind Community resource) that Peer Support Groups would be a great benefit to our Service Users and (though not strictly advocacy) would build a real energy around the organisation. So in 2006 we started APEx Jogging club, Woodside Positive mental health Group and a (sporadic) swimming group.
In August 2009, we thought that a positive way of seeing us through the bleak winter was a Winter Walking group. It would help to punctuate darker days with pockets of warming, shared exercise across North Wales and Northern England.
Events that APEx Members have attended include many local and regional races – including Marathons, ½ marathons, 10k’s and the Monthly Wirral Seaside races Triathlons. Myself and Shaun Hodgekiss also took part in a great event to swim across the Mersey from The Echo Arena in Liverpool to Monks Ferry in Birkenhead.
Even though the main aim is to introduce and support people through beginning exercise routines, we do cater for all aspirations and we are planning our “Door-Step” challenges, where we hope to show that you can have fun, adventures and challenges literally on your own door step. We are planning a local sea swim that will be the equal of many ventures further afield that people aspire to complete – so watch this space!
After affiliating to England Athletics, it’s great to see how what started as a little idea is flourishing and we have several peer support groups now. We are about torecruit a development worker to bring all of our exercise and peer support groups closer together and develop them further. The groups are very inclusive and can cater for all aspirations – the focus has always been upon the social aspects of being in an exercise club!
Please feel free to contact me for further details or any new ideas!
Chris Shaw
Cheif Executive, Advocacy in Wirral
Tel: 0151 650 1530
Advocating Physical Exercise (APEx) Group
Physical Exercise is a great way to improve your mood. Whether it’s running, walking, swimming or cycling, even moderate exercise is a proven way to make you feel good.
Every week, we’ve organised a range of activities that are open to anyone who wants to improve their mood.
Weekly Jogging
Advocacy in Wirral’s APEx Group organises weekly jogging sessions for people of all fitness levels. These are held on Wednesdays at 5pm and start at our Woodside offices. They have attracted a large number of regular participants – but even if you’re new to jogging you’ll find a warm welcome!
Walks for All
Advocacy in Wirral’s Walks for All have also proven to be very popular. In June 2008, over 30 adults and children (some experienced walkers and some complete novices) and an assortment of well-behaved dogs all made it across to Hilbre Island from West Kirby. The day was such a success that we decided to repeat it, and since then a hardy band of walkers have walked around the Storeton area, up to Rivington Pike near Bolton, up the Great Orme at Llandudno and to Aber Falls in North Wales.
So — dig out your woollies and your wellies, get wrapped up, bring a flask and a butty, and we’ll look forward to seeing you soon for some fun!
Swimming
Two or three regulars at Advocacy make time for a weekly swim at Europa Pools in Birkenhead. If you’ve always fancied swimming but don’t like the idea of going alone, why not joing them for a few lengths or widths?
For more details, contact APEx at Advocacy in Wirral on 0151 650 1530 or e-mail apex@aiw.org.uk
Whatever you do – find a physical activity you enjoy and one that suits your level of mobility and fitness. |
Phoenix is the editor of this site and was diagnosed with bipolar twenty years ago. In between 8 periods of illness and hospitalisation she trained as a garden designer and was a awarded an RHS Diploma, gained a first class degree in Cultural Studies and a Certificate in Education that enables her to lecture in Recovery in Mental Health to psychiatric nurse students and mental health professionals at universities.
Phoenix leads a diverse life which she attributes to Wellness Recovery Action Planning and all aspects of Recovery. In the last 2 years she performed stand up comedy. Laughter truly is the best medicine! Now she is concentrating on being involved in improving conditions for inpatients and service receivers trustwide. And training in WRAP, Recovery Star and the new Advanced Statement and some gardening for health. Also with some great new art projects. 
