TWO dedicated health practitioners in Oswestry are making significant strides towards realising their vision of an inventive studio that combines movement and mental health support.

Jo Hazell-Watkins, a Level 3 personal trainer, and Kevin Braddock, a psychotherapist and author, have achieved their £7,000 crowdfunding goal to establish this unique facility within the town's Memorial Hall.

The duo plans to launch 'The Soma Space' as a pop-up in autumn, offering a range of group and individual workshops designed to enrich the well-being of the community.

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They said: “"The benefits of exercise on mental health are widely known today and promoted by the NHS but would be participants may struggle to find ways to bring more movement into their lives, often finding typical gym experiences anxiety-inducing.”

The endeavour builds upon the impactful work Hazell and Kevin have been carrying out in Oswestry since January 2023 through their 'SomaDynamic: Movement For Mental Health' initiative.

This project has seen them conducting weekly sessions, resulting in over 150 combined physical and mental health interventions.

The duo added: “"In our workshops and sessions we programme a range of exercises, tailored to individual abilities, and include learning and group reflection to add to the experience.

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"Participants tell us the space we create is welcoming and inclusive, and they leave feeling that they have worked on both their physical and mental health simultaneously."

Notably, their project has recently been registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and has garnered support from Santander Bank, as well as receiving guidance from startup consultancy Be A Better Fish and Martin & Jones Marketing.

Set to establish itself in central Oswestry in late September, 'The Soma Space' marks the next phase in the development of this transformative project.

As the community eagerly anticipates its opening, the initiative promises to provide a holistic approach to improving physical and mental well-being for all.