Breaking Barriers Through Dance: Unbound Moving Arts Completes Second ‘Movement for Mental Health’ Project
Brixton social enterprise Unbound Moving Arts CIC is thrilled to announce the completion of its second ‘Movement for Mental Health’ Dance Meditation project, which ran from May 2023-June 2024 in venues in Waterloo and Balham.
Participants were invited to attend five consecutive 5Rhythms dance meditation classes designed to foster resilience and build community connections. The project surpassed expectations, with participants reporting significant improvements in mental well-being, reduced social isolation, and decreased anxiety and stress.
This iteration of the project was made possible through the generous support of the Lambeth Well-Being Fund. It specifically targeted residents of Lambeth who identified as having moderate mental health challenges and had not previously engaged in dance or movement meditation. Participants were recruited by reaching out to organisations such as Mosaic Clubhouse as well as by more traditional word of mouth.
Rich Wiltshire, Executive Director of Unbound Moving Arts and project founder, expressed his pride in the participants, and emphasised the value for money that the scheme provided:
“I am very proud of all the participants who overcame significant challenges such as anxiety; depression; and neurodivergence to join our 5Rhythms dancing communities. By moving their bodies, they transformed their suffering into art and well-being. Many graduates have continued to dance with the community even after completing their five free sessions. Furthermore Unbound Moving Arts has shown great value with impressive results at a cost much lower than some formal therapy practices.”
This second cohort included individuals facing significant mental and physical challenges, including anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence, with many participants managing multiple long-term conditions. One-third of the participants were aged 50-70 and represented a diverse mix of ethnic backgrounds.
After completing their five sessions, one graduate shared:
“The sessions helped me to feel less socially isolated, and to connect with others during the sessions. Also the movement helped with managing emotions, and expressing myself through dance."
Another noted:
"I suffer from deep depression as well as ADHD. Coming has been so inspirational and liberating"
A third added:
“ I found that my mental health definitely improved as a direct result from attending. I also felt more connected to others in my community and found that the dancing/physical activity made me feel better, in a way that was welcoming, inclusive and accessible.... I was able to get more into my body and out of the turmoil in my head, which I have generally struggled to do in the past."
Nikki Ashley, Executive Director of Unbound Moving Arts and project leader, emphasised the support provided to participants
"We offered significant support to ensure participants could join our movement spaces. This included phone calls during enrollment and often before each session. Participants received extra face-to-face time as needed, and the sessions were designed to be inclusive and foster community connection.”
Graduates were also given special discounts to continue attending regular classes, with many continuing to dance with the community.