Walsall Heal and Restore project rejuvenates physical and mental wellbeing

“I feel much more satisfied with my life as the workshops and tai chi have allowed me to feel much better within myself and recognise the positive aspects of my life," said one participant.

Mettaminds’ Heal and Restore project in Walsall brought people together through immersive self-care workshops, nature walks and tai chi sessions.

Funded by Commonwealth Active Communities and facilitated by Active Black Country, the programme was designed to introduce self-care, movement and self-help in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

Key outcomes and impact

The programme had a positive impact on participants, helping the community by teaching people skills beyond the project:

• Beyond the sessions: One participant said the sessions helped improve her sleep, calm her mind and manage daily challenges. She was able to carry the techniques she learned into everyday life.
• Regaining mental health: Many participants were struggling with their mental wellbeing, often feeling overwhelmed and stuck in cycles of overthinking. One participant said she felt like she had no control over her life. But through the tai chi sessions, she was introduced to breathing techniques, meditation and sound therapy which helped her challenge the automatic negative thoughts (ANTs). Over time, she noticed she was no longer succumbing to those thoughts, giving her a sense of control and calm.
• A new way of thinking: The combination of tai chi and self-help workshops helped one participant develop a more balanced outlook on life. Before joining Mettaminds, she felt a lack of purpose. Through the sessions, she gained a fresh perspective and a better sense of direction. She became more aware of her thought patterns, especially the habits of automatic negative thoughts and found that she was no longer as consumed by them. Mettaminds provided her with a mental health toolbox that helped her process and ease overwhelming emotions.
• Reduced anxiety: Several participants reported feeling calmer and more at ease after attending the sessions. The combination of gentle movement, breathing techniques and a supportive, non-judgmental environment helped reduce anxiety and promote a more positive state of mind. For many, these sessions offered a much-needed break from daily stress, improving their ability to cope and contributing to better overall mental wellbeing.
• Embracing movement: The sessions helped individuals who were usually not physically active to get involved in movement in a way that felt achievable. This highlights how accessible and low-impact the exercises were, making it easier for participants to engage without feeling overwhelmed and showing that small, simple steps can still have a big impact.

Key learnings & insights

Tai chi proved to be an effective way to support wellbeing for all participants, offering a low-impact, meditative practice that blends breathing, movement and focus to strengthen the mind-body connection.

The success of the programme was a testament to the deliverers’ commitment to meeting the participants’ needs while creating a sense of community. This helped people facing isolation and financial pressures find connection, comfort and understanding through shared experiences.

Delivered in a safe, non-judgmental environment, the Mettaminds workshop gave participants the freedom to engage at their own pace, celebrate personal wins, and uplift one another, building trust, belonging, and more positive outlooks that made a big difference to their lives.

Mettaminds CIC equipped attendees with a ‘mental health toolbox’ to help ease stress and feelings of overwhelm. The tai chi and self-help sessions not only had a powerful impact on participants but also gave them practical tools to face life’s challenges.

We’re proud to have supported this project, which is helping people in the Black Country lead healthier lives.