Yesterday, our Marketing Officer, Hannah, had the pleasure of visiting the Move More, Feel Better project delivered by Middleport Matters Community Trust and supported through funding from Together Active.
Initially invited to observe the session, Hannah was encouraged to take part herself to experience what the sessions offer participants.
Here’s what she shared following her visit.
Led by trained instructor Dimi, the session immediately felt welcoming from the moment I walked into The Community Hub at Middleport Matters. The space was warm and relaxed, and Dimi reassured me that everything could be adapted to suit different comfort levels and abilities.
The session began with an upbeat dance warm-up inspired by Latin American dance styles. The movements were easy to follow, and within minutes, the group was laughing, smiling, and encouraging one another. As someone joining an established group for the first time, it quickly helped ease any nerves and created a real sense of connection.
The group then moved into gentle yoga and breathing exercises using mats and blocks provided through Together Active funding. Dimi encouraged everyone to focus on being present and to move only in ways that felt comfortable. Reflecting on my own experiences of joining more formalised yoga or fitness classes, these environments can sometimes feel intimidating for newcomers. What stood out here was the understanding that everybody entered the room from a different place, not only physically, but emotionally too.
What stood out most was that the session was about far more than physical movement. As a trained yoga instructor and life coach, Dimi created space for open conversation around wellbeing and mindfulness. One participant shared her experience of grief and how difficult she sometimes found being present, leading others in the group to share their own experiences and support one another.
It was clear that the group had become more than just a fitness session; it had become a safe and supportive community.
When I left, I felt calmer, happier, and genuinely grateful for the experience. The women spoke passionately about the positive impact the sessions had on their mental wellbeing, confidence, sleep, and motivation to stay active outside of the sessions.
A key theme throughout the discussions was the importance of having a welcoming, in-person space that encouraged connection, accountability, and movement without judgement. Many participants shared that the sessions gave them a reason to leave the house and dedicate time to themselves each week.
With just one session remaining of the 12-week programme, many of the women expressed how sad they were to see it ending and hoped opportunities like this could continue in the future.
Experiencing the session first-hand was a powerful reminder that projects like this are so important as they recognise that wellbeing is about more than exercise alone. They help people build confidence, reduce isolation and create meaningful community connections, something that can have a lasting impact on both physical and mental wellbeing.
We’re incredibly proud to support and fund initiatives like Move More, Feel Better that are making a real difference to people’s lives across our communities.
