Wellbeing support that feels welcoming, relevant and accessible
UAA’s health and wellbeing work creates trusted spaces where people can talk, learn, move, meet others and ask questions they may not feel comfortable raising elsewhere. Our approach recognises that mental health, physical health, social isolation, culture, financial pressure and access to information are closely connected.
The wellbeing programme began as a men’s mental-health initiative and developed into a wider programme for the community. Sessions have covered mental health, family relationships, substance misuse, gambling, HIV and sexual health, diabetes, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, sickle cell awareness, nutrition, addictions, cultural identity, discrimination and practical coping strategies.
Guest speakers and partner organisations have included Northamptonshire Mind, NHS services, GamCare, Alzheimer’s-related organisations, Family Support Link and Northamptonshire Carers.
From June 2024 to June 2026, UAA’s dedicated wellbeing monitoring log records 37 non-cancelled session entries. Attendance figures are available for 34 of those sessions, generating 926 attendances – an average of 27 people per recorded session, with a peak of 39.
Across this period, UAA covered 30+ different session topics, including mental health and stigma, eating disorders, substance misuse, gambling, sexual health, sickle cell, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, maternity health inequalities, cancer awareness, autism, SEN and EHCPs, dementia and Alzheimer’s support, social prescribing, hate crime, cultural identity, relationships, discrimination, community leadership and practical coping strategies.
The programme originally began as a men’s mental-health initiative and, at an earlier stage, provided a safe space for over 200 men. When the programme first moved online, some weekly sessions attracted up to 40 participants. It later expanded in response to participant feedback to include women and a broader range of health, wellbeing and community issues.
One participant came to UAA after sponsorship problems left her destitute and deeply worried about her future. Alongside food and practical support, she began joining the online wellbeing sessions.
“I began to feel that there is light at the end of the tunnel.” — UAA participant describing the effect of the wellbeing sessions |
UAA’s annual reporting also records positive feedback from participants who described improvements in mental health, self-confidence and connection.
Every two months: Monday evening online wellbeing session, 7:00pm–8:30pm. |
JOIN A WELLBEING SESSION | CONTACT UAA
