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Thanks to funding from CNWL NHS Health Charity, a new Talking Therapies gym at St Charles Health and Wellbeing Centre has the equipment it needs to support CNWL patients with their physical and mental wellbeing.
At the launch event on 2 April, CNWL staff gathered to celebrate the collaborative effort behind this milestone. A heartfelt speech by Chloe Schneider, Clinical Lead for Community Living Well and Psychological Therapies, opened the event with thanks to all those who helped bring the vision to life.
Lucy Wilson-Shaw, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, reflected on the journey that led to the gym’s creation. She highlighted the benefits of exercise for both mental and physical health - promoting longevity and helping people develop positive habits. She said:
It’s been a real journey to get here, but now we have a space with good equipment where people can come and improve their wellbeing - not just patients in Kensington and Chelsea, but others too. This is more than just a gym; it’s about providing a sustainable way for people to maintain their mental and physical health together.
Matt Waugh, Registered Mental Health Nurse and CNWL Physical Activity Network Lead, provided evidence to support the impact of exercise on mental health and highlighted two patient case studies to illustrate the benefits of engaging in a structured physical activity program. He said:
We need to ensure this space continues to operate. It’s not about creating dependency but bridging the gap to other community spaces in Kensington and Chelsea. One of the great things about this space is the support we’ve received from CNWL NHS Health Charity, and Sport England, who both provided funding, recognising the promise of this initiative
Neil Harman, Charity Development Director for CNWL NHS Health Charity also said a few words and reinforced the importance of funding initiatives like this.
Our charity exists to provide extras and enhancements for patients that make a real difference. There’s overwhelming evidence that exercise plays a huge role in mental and physical health recovery, and we’re proud to support that.
