GLL partnership with The Mix announced during Mental Health Awareness Week
Social enterprise and leisure operator GLL and the UK’s leading support service charity for young people The Mix, have today (13 May) launched an innovative new partnership to mark Mental Health Awareness Week [MHAW].
The two organisations have come together to promote the benefits of exercise on mental health to young people. GLL, the UK’s largest operator of municipal leisure facilities is providing tips and advice to The Mix’s extensive digital user base, adding to the wide range of support services the charity already offers.
In addition, GLL will offer The Mix subscribers aged over 16yrs a FREE four-month membership to the leisure facilities it operates under its Better brand, with the aim of ensuring that cost is not a barrier to exercise.
Research* shows that regular physical activity can boost self-esteem, mood and sleep quality. However modern lifestyles and an increasing reliance on technology, mean that children and young people as less active than ever.
By working together, the two organisations hope to encourage more young people who are facing mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety or depression to embrace exercise as a tool with which to manage these pressures.
Joseph Rham, Customer Experience Director at GLL said: “We see every day in our Better leisure centres, swimming pools and gyms the huge benefits that exercise can deliver for young people. Not only in terms of improving their physical fitness but also their confidence, social skills and self-worth. We are delighted to be working with The Mix and hope this relationship will enable us to reach more young people and encourage them to try and incorporate exercise into their daily lives.”
Zoe Bailie, Deputy CEO of The Mix, said, "At The Mix, we believe in proactively addressing the needs of young people by offering comprehensive resources and guidance. By partnering with GLL during Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond, we're not just promoting exercise; we're advocating for a proactive approach to mental well-being. Our services go beyond crisis management, providing tools for resilience and empowerment. Together with GLL, we want to build a culture of early intervention to equip young people with the skills they need to navigate life's challenges."
It is recommended that children and young people aged 5yrs – 18yrs should take part in moderate to vigorous activities for at least 60 minutes every day. Moderate intensity means working hard enough to raise your heartbeat, so you breathe harder and begin to sweat, but are still able to talk.