Oswestry Cancer Buddies hear how exercise can support wellbeing

Members of a Shropshire cancer support group have heard how exercise can help people improve both their physical and mental wellbeing.

Oswestry Cancer Buddies welcomed Jo Hazell-Watkins, founder of The Soma Space in Oswestry, to one of its regular meetings.

Jo is a qualified trauma-informed strength coach and runs The Soma Space with psychotherapist Kevin Braddock. The pair offer one-to-one and group exercise sessions and programmes incorporating strength training, Boxercise and Tai Chi.

The sessions aim to help people overcome anxiety around exercise while supporting their mental and physical health.

Jo told the group: “It is well established today that physical activity supports mental health, yet exercise often neglects the psychic dimension of wellbeing.

“We believe that attaching movement and exercise to mental health work multiplies the benefits of both.”

The Soma Space is based at Memorial Hall in Smithfield Road, central Oswestry, and has wheelchair access, with parking nearby.

The service is funded by Shrewsbury-based cancer charity Lingen Davies.

Oswestry Cancer Buddies founder Linda Lade welcomes members with a cuppa at the group's meetings, held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 2.30pm to 3.30pm in the meeting room at Oswestry Library, Arthur Street.

For more information about The Soma Space, visit thesoma.space or email [email protected].

More information about Oswestry Cancer Buddies is available at oswestrycancerbuddies.com or by contacting Linda on 07711 981984.