Taking Action for Your Mental Wellbeing: A Holistic Approach to Feeling Better

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 encourages us all to focus on one important theme: Action.

While awareness around mental health continues to grow, meaningful change often happens when we take small, practical steps to support our wellbeing. Action can look different for everyone. For some, it might mean speaking to a counsellor for the first time. For others, it could be moving their body more regularly, connecting with others, or simply making space to pause and reflect.

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we believe mental wellbeing is deeply connected to our physical health, emotional resilience, community connections and daily routines. That’s why we take a holistic approach to wellbeing — supporting both mind and body through a range of accessible services designed to help people feel healthier, stronger and more supported.

What Does a Holistic Approach to Mental Wellbeing Mean?

A holistic approach means recognising that wellbeing is not just about one thing.

Mental health can be influenced by:

• Physical activity and movement
• Stress levels and sleep
• Social connection and community
• Emotional support
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Routine and lifestyle habits

Looking after your mental wellbeing may involve a combination of support systems rather than a single solution.

For some people, exercise helps improve mood and reduce stress. Others may benefit from having a safe space to talk through challenges with a counsellor. Often, it’s the combination of movement, support, connection and self-care that makes the biggest difference.

Taking Action Through Movement and Exercise

Physical activity can play an important role in supporting mental wellbeing.

Exercise is known to help:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve mood and energy levels
• Support better sleep
• Build confidence and resilience
• Create healthy routines and structure

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, our gyms, exercise classes and Reformer Pilates sessions provide welcoming spaces where people can move in ways that feel good for them. Whether it’s attending a fitness class, spending time in the gym, or trying something new like Pilates, movement can become a positive part of your wellbeing journey.

Importantly, these spaces also help build connection and community, something that can be just as valuable for mental health as physical exercise itself.

Taking Action Through Counselling and Emotional Support

Sometimes taking action means talking.

Release Counselling, part of YMCA St Paul’s Group, offers affordable and confidential counselling for adults within the local community. Counselling provides a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore thoughts, feelings and experiences at your own pace. People seek counselling for many reasons, including:

• Anxiety and stress
• Low mood or depression
• Bereavement and loss
• Relationship challenges
• Life changes and uncertainty
• Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally stuck

At Release Counselling, support is designed to feel accessible and approachable.

We offer:

• Sliding scale fees from £25–£55
• Face-to-face sessions in Surbiton, Wimbledon, South Ealing and Walthamstow
• Phone and Zoom counselling options
• Appointments usually within two weeks

Taking the first step can feel difficult, but support is available when you’re ready.

Support in Your Community

One of the biggest barriers to wellbeing support can be accessibility. When services feel local, affordable and welcoming, taking action becomes easier. That’s why we’re proud to provide wellbeing support within the communities we serve.

Whether you are looking for:

💬 Counselling and emotional support
💪 Gym facilities and fitness support
🧘 Exercise classes and Reformer Pilates
🤝 A stronger sense of community and connection

YMCA St Paul’s Group is here to support your wellbeing journey.

Taking the First Step

Mental wellbeing looks different for everyone, and there is no “perfect” way to take action.

What matters most is finding support, movement or connection that feels right for you.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, consider one small action you can take to support your wellbeing — whether that’s prioritising movement, reaching out to someone you trust, or exploring counselling for the first time.

Support is closer than you think.

Find out more about Release Counselling and our wider wellbeing services via the YMCA St Paul’s Group website.