Physical activity can be a great way to help boost your health and wellbeing. It can increase energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost self-esteem but many people struggle to move enough. This Mental Health Awareness Week everyone is being encouraged to move more.

Being physically active can be achieved in a variety of ways, whether it’s working out at the gym, going for a walk, taking part in a sport or even mowing your lawn. What is important is that you are moving, and if you can find a form of physical activity that you enjoy doing, then you will be far more likely to do it regularly.

There are several local activities taking place over mental health awareness week that give you the opportunity to get active and boost your mood:

•            Health Walk with LiveWire at Victoria Park - Monday 13 May, 1pm

•            Walking rugby with Warrington Wolves at Whitecross – Tuesday 14 May, 10am

•            Badminton with Creative Remedies at Orford Jubilee Hub - Tuesday 14 May, 10.30am

•            Women’s only touch rugby with Warrington Wolves at Priestley College – Thursday 16 May, 7pm

•            Walking Football with Livewire at Orford Jubliee Hub - Thursday 16 May, 7.30pm

•            Box & Brew with Livewire at Orford Jubliee Hub - Friday 17 May, 11.30am

Alongside the timetabled activities above, Livewire offers an extensive range of activities within their facilities - from their gyms, which include a range of high-tech equipment suitable for all ages and abilities, and pools that are accessible and timetabled to suit all needs, to a disability and inclusion tennis programme.

The Livewire Lifestyles team are also fully qualified to support a full range of conditions and needs to ensure their activities are accessible to all. Visit liverwirewarrington.co.uk or more information.

Maintaining good mental health can be a challenge and sometimes we need to rely upon support networks and coping strategies to help us through. In Warrington, our Health and Wellbeing survey highlighted that 30% of respondents reported low emotional wellbeing and 22% were experiencing three or more causes of frequent or constant stress.

If you or someone you know is struggling with bad mental health, please visit Warrington’s mental health website Happy? Ok? Sad?. The site provides links and resources from over 120 providers both locally and nationally, as well as crisis helplines if you require help right away.

Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, said: “It’s so important that all of us look after our mental health, so It’s fantastic to see a range of activities taking place during Mental Health Awareness Week giving local people the opportunity to get active, have fun and boost their mood.

“It’s also a good time to remind people that there is plenty on offer at LiveWire’s facilities for people with physical disabilities, including accessible swimming and adapted gym equipment.

“I would also like to encourage people to make use of Warrington’s mental health website, Happy? Ok? Sad? It’s an excellent resource, with lots of useful guidance and resources – and it’s for everyone, both young people and adults.”

For more information about mental health awareness week and how you get involved please visit the Mental Health Foundation website.