Autumn’s Embrace – A Poem For Autumn

Drawing of a country scene in Autumn

Golden leaves dance in the breeze,

A tapestry of autumn’s ease.

Crisp air whispers secrets sweet,

As nature paints a vibrant feat.

Pumpkin spice and cozy nights,

Warmth and comfort, guiding lights.

Bonfires crackle, stories told,

Memories woven, hearts unfold.

A season of change, a time to rest,

Nature’s beauty, put to the test.

Let’s embrace the autumn’s grace,

And find solace in its embrace.

Autumn Activities for Health and Well-being

Autumn is a beautiful season with its vibrant colours and crisp air. It’s also a great time to focus on your health and well-being. Here are a few activities to consider.

Embrace the outdoors: Take advantage of the milder weather and spend time in nature. Go for walks, hikes, or bike rides. Enjoy the changing leaves and fresh air.

Try a new hobby: Autumn is a great time to start a new hobby. Whether painting, knitting, or learning a new language, a new hobby can provide mental stimulation and relaxation.

Cozy up indoors: Enjoy the comfort of your home with activities like reading, cooking, or watching a movie. Light a candle, make a cup of tea, and relax.

Get active indoors: If the weather is too cold or rainy, there are plenty of ways to stay active indoors. Try yoga, Pilates, or dancing.

Nourish your body: Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables, which are often more nutritious and flavourful. Incorporate warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg into your meals.

Incorporating these activities into your autumn routine can improve your physical and mental health while you enjoy the beauty of the season.

To find out more about how Impact can help you improve your mental and physical well-being feel free to explore our online wellbeing courses.

Starts 06 January, 2026

YOU Programme – January 2026 YP060126

Register & Enrol
The YOU Programme can be an important first step to feeling better, improving your mental health and wellbeing and getting your life back on track through supporting education, peer empowerment and learning how to manage uncomfortable thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Day 1 – Tuesday 6th January, 2026 Day 2 – Thursday 8th January, 2026 Day 3 – Tuesday 13th January, 2026 Day 4 – Thursday 15th January, 2026 Time for each session: 9:30am – 2:30pm Delivered live online using Zoom and with lots of breaks.
Starts 21 January, 2026

YOUR Choice – January 2026 YC210126

Register & Enrol
Impact’s 4 week, 8 sessions mental well-being programme – YOUR Choice… An inspiring, empowering and educational wellbeing course, helping you to understand and learn what you can do to help yourself manage your mind, your emotions and build total wellbeing resilience for the future. If you feel you need to make some important changes to have the kind of life you really want, this course is for you. Delivered each Wednesday & Thursday for 8 sessions on the following days: Day 1 Wednesday 21st January, 2026 Day 2 Thursday 22nd January, 2026 Day 3 Wednesday 28th January, 2026 Day 4 Thursday 29th January, 2026 Day 5 Wednesday 4th February, 2026 Day 6 Thursday 5th February, 2026 Day 7 Wednesday 11th February, 2026 Day 8 Thursday 12th February, 2026 Time for each session 9:30am – 2:30pm with plenty of breaks! Delivered live online using Zoom
Starts 27 January, 2026

Mind Time – January 2026 MT270126

Register & Enrol
The information packed Mind Time Course is designed to educate, support and empower people to immediately start to work on understanding and improving their mental wellbeing, and is delivered over two evenings. This is a fantastic course on its own for time-strapped people looking to make instant change to their wellbeing, or as a taster course before joining us on one of our longer day time courses. This course offers a free One-to-One session after course completion Dates Tuesday 27th January, 2026 Wednesday 28th January, 2026 Times for each session 6.30 to 9.30pm Delivered live online using Zoom
Starts 24 February, 2026

Mind Time – February 2026 MT240226

Register & Enrol
The information packed Mind Time Course is designed to educate, support and empower people to immediately start to work on understanding and improving their mental wellbeing, and is delivered over two evenings. This is a fantastic course on its own for time-strapped people looking to make instant change to their wellbeing, or as a taster course before joining us on one of our longer day time courses. This course offers a free One-to-One session after course completion Dates Tuesday 24th February, 2026 Wednesday 25th February, 2026 Times for each session 6.30 to 9.30pm Delivered live online using Zoom
Starts 03 March, 2026

YOU Programme – March 2026 YP030326

Register & Enrol
The YOU Programme can be an important first step to feeling better, improving your mental health and wellbeing and getting your life back on track through supporting education, peer empowerment and learning how to manage uncomfortable thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Day 1 – Tuesday 3rd March, 2026 Day 2 – Thursday 5th March, 2026 Day 3 – Tuesday 10th March, 2026 Day 4 – Thursday 12th March, 2026 Time for each session: 9:30am – 2:30pm Delivered live online using Zoom and with lots of breaks.
Starts 24 March, 2026

Mind Time – March 2026 MT240326

Register & Enrol
The information packed Mind Time Course is designed to educate, support and empower people to immediately start to work on understanding and improving their mental wellbeing, and is delivered over two evenings. This is a fantastic course on its own for time-strapped people looking to make instant change to their wellbeing, or as a taster course before joining us on one of our longer day time courses. This course offers a free One-to-One session after course completion Dates Tuesday 24th March, 2026 Wednesday 25th March, 2026 Times for each session 6.30 to 9.30pm Delivered live online using Zoom

A New Season of Well-being

Welcome back, everyone! It’s a brand-new season, a fresh start, and a perfect time to focus on our well-being. We’re excited to get started for this new term of Impact Well-being courses.

Drawing of a country scene in Autumn

This term, we’ll delve deeper into strategies to manage stress, cultivate mindfulness, and boost our overall well-being.

So, whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve your mental health, or feel more connected to yourself, we’ve got a course for you.

Let’s make this term one of growth, self-discovery, and lasting well-being. Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey? Let’s make it happen!

Starts 06 January, 2026

YOU Programme – January 2026 YP060126

Register & Enrol
The YOU Programme can be an important first step to feeling better, improving your mental health and wellbeing and getting your life back on track through supporting education, peer empowerment and learning how to manage uncomfortable thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Day 1 – Tuesday 6th January, 2026 Day 2 – Thursday 8th January, 2026 Day 3 – Tuesday 13th January, 2026 Day 4 – Thursday 15th January, 2026 Time for each session: 9:30am – 2:30pm Delivered live online using Zoom and with lots of breaks.
Starts 21 January, 2026

YOUR Choice – January 2026 YC210126

Register & Enrol
Impact’s 4 week, 8 sessions mental well-being programme – YOUR Choice… An inspiring, empowering and educational wellbeing course, helping you to understand and learn what you can do to help yourself manage your mind, your emotions and build total wellbeing resilience for the future. If you feel you need to make some important changes to have the kind of life you really want, this course is for you. Delivered each Wednesday & Thursday for 8 sessions on the following days: Day 1 Wednesday 21st January, 2026 Day 2 Thursday 22nd January, 2026 Day 3 Wednesday 28th January, 2026 Day 4 Thursday 29th January, 2026 Day 5 Wednesday 4th February, 2026 Day 6 Thursday 5th February, 2026 Day 7 Wednesday 11th February, 2026 Day 8 Thursday 12th February, 2026 Time for each session 9:30am – 2:30pm with plenty of breaks! Delivered live online using Zoom
Starts 27 January, 2026

Mind Time – January 2026 MT270126

Register & Enrol
The information packed Mind Time Course is designed to educate, support and empower people to immediately start to work on understanding and improving their mental wellbeing, and is delivered over two evenings. This is a fantastic course on its own for time-strapped people looking to make instant change to their wellbeing, or as a taster course before joining us on one of our longer day time courses. This course offers a free One-to-One session after course completion Dates Tuesday 27th January, 2026 Wednesday 28th January, 2026 Times for each session 6.30 to 9.30pm Delivered live online using Zoom
Starts 24 February, 2026

Mind Time – February 2026 MT240226

Register & Enrol
The information packed Mind Time Course is designed to educate, support and empower people to immediately start to work on understanding and improving their mental wellbeing, and is delivered over two evenings. This is a fantastic course on its own for time-strapped people looking to make instant change to their wellbeing, or as a taster course before joining us on one of our longer day time courses. This course offers a free One-to-One session after course completion Dates Tuesday 24th February, 2026 Wednesday 25th February, 2026 Times for each session 6.30 to 9.30pm Delivered live online using Zoom
Starts 03 March, 2026

YOU Programme – March 2026 YP030326

Register & Enrol
The YOU Programme can be an important first step to feeling better, improving your mental health and wellbeing and getting your life back on track through supporting education, peer empowerment and learning how to manage uncomfortable thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Day 1 – Tuesday 3rd March, 2026 Day 2 – Thursday 5th March, 2026 Day 3 – Tuesday 10th March, 2026 Day 4 – Thursday 12th March, 2026 Time for each session: 9:30am – 2:30pm Delivered live online using Zoom and with lots of breaks.
Starts 24 March, 2026

Mind Time – March 2026 MT240326

Register & Enrol
The information packed Mind Time Course is designed to educate, support and empower people to immediately start to work on understanding and improving their mental wellbeing, and is delivered over two evenings. This is a fantastic course on its own for time-strapped people looking to make instant change to their wellbeing, or as a taster course before joining us on one of our longer day time courses. This course offers a free One-to-One session after course completion Dates Tuesday 24th March, 2026 Wednesday 25th March, 2026 Times for each session 6.30 to 9.30pm Delivered live online using Zoom

Free Online Menopause Support Course This Weekend

Impact Mental Health is offering a free online menopause support course this weekend on August 10th and 11th. This course is free to women who live or work in Central Bedfordshire or Bedford Borough. The course aims to provide crucial support and information to those experiencing menopause, a significant life stage affecting millions of women.

Understanding Menopause

Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life that typically occurs usually between the ages of 45 and 55, but can start sooner. It marks the end of menstrual cycles and is normally diagnosed after 12 months without a menstrual period. While it is a natural biological process, menopause can bring about a range of physical and emotional symptoms that can significantly impact daily life. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. Despite its universality, menopause remains a topic often shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding.

Course Details and Benefits

The free online course offered by Impact Mental Health is designed to break down these barriers, providing a supportive environment where participants can learn about menopause, share experiences, and gain practical strategies for managing symptoms. The course will cover a wide range of topics, including understanding the physical and emotional changes during menopause, coping mechanisms, and strategies for maintaining mental health and well-being.

Led by experienced health professionals, the sessions will include interactive discussions, Q&A segments, and resource sharing. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others experiencing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community and support.

How to Register

Registration for the course is simple and free for eligible individuals. Those interested in attending can sign by following the links below. This initiative underscores the organisation’s commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of the community by providing accessible and relevant resources. By participating in this course, attendees can empower themselves with knowledge and tools to navigate the menopause transition more comfortably.

Sorry, we don’t currently have any dates available for this course. Please see our course calendar for other courses

A Poem For Summer

A cartoon image of a city park in summer. People are walking around the park enjoying the sunshine

The city’s grip, a concrete maze, Thoughts tangled in a hurried daze. But step outside, where sunlight spills, On whispering leaves and verdant hills.

Breathe in the air, crisp, clean, and bright, A symphony of birds in flight. The pounding heart begins to slow, As worries on the soft breeze blow.

Beneath the boughs, a dappled light, Inviting rest, a gentle sight. Moss-covered stones, a cool embrace, Nature’s rhythm sets a calming pace.

The babbling brook, a soothing sound, Washing cares away, profound. A world unfolds, vibrant and grand, A balm for soul, a helping hand.

No deadlines loom, no phones intrude, Just peace within this solitude. The mind unwinds, the spirit mends, Nature’s embrace, a gift that transcends.

So, leave the noise, the worries behind, In nature’s arms, true solace find. For healing flows from earth and sky, A wellspring deep, where spirits fly.

How Mental Wellness Can Be Your Secret Weapon for Pain Management

Taming the Twin Demons: How Mental Wellness Can Be Your Secret Weapon for Pain Management

Comic book image of a woman looking at twin demons. The demons have a big red X overlaid

Chronic pain is a relentless foe, impacting millions in the UK. While medication and physical therapy are crucial, a growing body of research suggests a powerful, often overlooked weapon: mental health management.

Here’s why prioritizing your mental well-being can be a game-changer for pain management:

  • The Mind-Body Connection: Pain isn’t just physical. Stress, anxiety, and depression can amplify pain signals and worsen discomfort. A 2023 study by King’s College London found a strong link between chronic pain and depression, highlighting the crucial role of mental health in pain perception.
  • Breaking the Cycle: Chronic pain can lead to negative thoughts and fear of movement, creating a vicious cycle. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be highly effective in managing pain. A 2022 NHS report that CBT can help individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, ultimately reducing pain intensity and improving coping mechanisms.
  • Stress Reduction: Chronic pain can be incredibly stressful. Techniques like mindfulness meditation, relaxation exercises, and deep breathing have all been shown to reduce stress hormones and improve pain tolerance. A recent University of Oxford study published in the British Journal of Pain demonstrated the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing pain intensity and improving sleep quality in individuals with chronic pain.
  • Empowering Yourself: Taking control of your well-being fosters a sense of empowerment. By learning skills to manage stress and negative emotions, you become an active participant in managing your pain. This feeling of control can significantly improve your overall well-being.

Taking Action:

  • Talk to Your Doctor: Discuss your mental health concerns and explore strategies for managing them alongside your pain management plan.
  • Explore Therapy: Consider therapy options like CBT or mindfulness-based therapy. Resources are available through the NHS or private providers.
  • Self-Care Practices: Prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and regular exercise. These habits directly impact both physical and mental health.
  • Support Groups: Connecting with others who understand chronic pain can be invaluable. Look for local support groups or online forums.
  • Embrace Breathwork: Simple breathing exercises can be incredibly effective in managing pain. A 2024 study by Queen Mary University of London found that breathwork techniques like diaphragmatic breathing significantly reduced pain intensity and improved mood in chronic pain patients.
  • Free Mental Health Courses: Consider free online courses offered by organisations like Impact Mental Health. Our courses can equip you with valuable tools for managing stress, anxiety, and negative thought patterns, all of which can contribute to chronic pain.

Remember, managing chronic pain is a journey, not a destination. By prioritising your mental health, you equip yourself with powerful tools to manage pain, improve your quality of life, and reclaim control of your well-being. Explore the resources available and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.

Starts 06 January, 2026

YOU Programme – January 2026 YP060126

Register & Enrol
The YOU Programme can be an important first step to feeling better, improving your mental health and wellbeing and getting your life back on track through supporting education, peer empowerment and learning how to manage uncomfortable thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Day 1 – Tuesday 6th January, 2026 Day 2 – Thursday 8th January, 2026 Day 3 – Tuesday 13th January, 2026 Day 4 – Thursday 15th January, 2026 Time for each session: 9:30am – 2:30pm Delivered live online using Zoom and with lots of breaks.
Starts 21 January, 2026

YOUR Choice – January 2026 YC210126

Register & Enrol
Impact’s 4 week, 8 sessions mental well-being programme – YOUR Choice… An inspiring, empowering and educational wellbeing course, helping you to understand and learn what you can do to help yourself manage your mind, your emotions and build total wellbeing resilience for the future. If you feel you need to make some important changes to have the kind of life you really want, this course is for you. Delivered each Wednesday & Thursday for 8 sessions on the following days: Day 1 Wednesday 21st January, 2026 Day 2 Thursday 22nd January, 2026 Day 3 Wednesday 28th January, 2026 Day 4 Thursday 29th January, 2026 Day 5 Wednesday 4th February, 2026 Day 6 Thursday 5th February, 2026 Day 7 Wednesday 11th February, 2026 Day 8 Thursday 12th February, 2026 Time for each session 9:30am – 2:30pm with plenty of breaks! Delivered live online using Zoom
Starts 27 January, 2026

Mind Time – January 2026 MT270126

Register & Enrol
The information packed Mind Time Course is designed to educate, support and empower people to immediately start to work on understanding and improving their mental wellbeing, and is delivered over two evenings. This is a fantastic course on its own for time-strapped people looking to make instant change to their wellbeing, or as a taster course before joining us on one of our longer day time courses. This course offers a free One-to-One session after course completion Dates Tuesday 27th January, 2026 Wednesday 28th January, 2026 Times for each session 6.30 to 9.30pm Delivered live online using Zoom
Starts 24 February, 2026

Mind Time – February 2026 MT240226

Register & Enrol
The information packed Mind Time Course is designed to educate, support and empower people to immediately start to work on understanding and improving their mental wellbeing, and is delivered over two evenings. This is a fantastic course on its own for time-strapped people looking to make instant change to their wellbeing, or as a taster course before joining us on one of our longer day time courses. This course offers a free One-to-One session after course completion Dates Tuesday 24th February, 2026 Wednesday 25th February, 2026 Times for each session 6.30 to 9.30pm Delivered live online using Zoom
Starts 03 March, 2026

YOU Programme – March 2026 YP030326

Register & Enrol
The YOU Programme can be an important first step to feeling better, improving your mental health and wellbeing and getting your life back on track through supporting education, peer empowerment and learning how to manage uncomfortable thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Day 1 – Tuesday 3rd March, 2026 Day 2 – Thursday 5th March, 2026 Day 3 – Tuesday 10th March, 2026 Day 4 – Thursday 12th March, 2026 Time for each session: 9:30am – 2:30pm Delivered live online using Zoom and with lots of breaks.
Starts 24 March, 2026

Mind Time – March 2026 MT240326

Register & Enrol
The information packed Mind Time Course is designed to educate, support and empower people to immediately start to work on understanding and improving their mental wellbeing, and is delivered over two evenings. This is a fantastic course on its own for time-strapped people looking to make instant change to their wellbeing, or as a taster course before joining us on one of our longer day time courses. This course offers a free One-to-One session after course completion Dates Tuesday 24th March, 2026 Wednesday 25th March, 2026 Times for each session 6.30 to 9.30pm Delivered live online using Zoom

Take Charge of Your Menopause Journey: Exclusive Online Weekend Support!

Tired of missing out on daytime menopause support? We hear you!

For the first time, Impact is offering a Free one-off weekend Unlock Menopause course! This is your chance to gain valuable knowledge and strategies in a supportive and flexible format.

Here’s what makes this weekend special:

  • Shorter commitment: Packed with essential information in fewer hours than our daytime course.
  • Double the support: Get two optional 1:1 tailored support sessions included!
  • Shifting perspectives: Learn to manage your menopause with self-compassion and practical well-being tools.
  • Empowering community: Connect with other women on a similar journey.

Seats are limited! Don’t miss out!

Dates:

  • Saturday, August 10th: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Sunday, August 11th: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Secure your spot today!

Sorry, we don’t currently have any dates available for this course. Please see our course calendar for other courses

Have questions? Contact us at:

Take Back Control of Your Well-being: Free Evening Mental Health & Well-being Course!

Feeling overwhelmed by stress and negative thoughts?

The Impact Mind Time Course can help!

This FREE two-evening course, held on Tuesday, August 6th, and Wednesday, August 7th, equips you with the tools to understand and manage your mental health.

  • Learn why unhelpful thoughts and emotions arise.
  • Discover powerful strategies to manage them effectively.
  • Gain a wealth of practical tools and techniques.
  • Optional 1:1 support session to personalise your learning.

Perfect for busy schedules! This evening course allows you to prioritise your well-being without sacrificing daytime commitments.

Spaces are limited! Register now with the Impact Team to secure your spot.

Starts 27 January, 2026

Mind Time – January 2026 MT270126

Register & Enrol
The information packed Mind Time Course is designed to educate, support and empower people to immediately start to work on understanding and improving their mental wellbeing, and is delivered over two evenings. This is a fantastic course on its own for time-strapped people looking to make instant change to their wellbeing, or as a taster course before joining us on one of our longer day time courses. This course offers a free One-to-One session after course completion Dates Tuesday 27th January, 2026 Wednesday 28th January, 2026 Times for each session 6.30 to 9.30pm Delivered live online using Zoom
Starts 24 February, 2026

Mind Time – February 2026 MT240226

Register & Enrol
The information packed Mind Time Course is designed to educate, support and empower people to immediately start to work on understanding and improving their mental wellbeing, and is delivered over two evenings. This is a fantastic course on its own for time-strapped people looking to make instant change to their wellbeing, or as a taster course before joining us on one of our longer day time courses. This course offers a free One-to-One session after course completion Dates Tuesday 24th February, 2026 Wednesday 25th February, 2026 Times for each session 6.30 to 9.30pm Delivered live online using Zoom
Starts 24 March, 2026

Mind Time – March 2026 MT240326

Register & Enrol
The information packed Mind Time Course is designed to educate, support and empower people to immediately start to work on understanding and improving their mental wellbeing, and is delivered over two evenings. This is a fantastic course on its own for time-strapped people looking to make instant change to their wellbeing, or as a taster course before joining us on one of our longer day time courses. This course offers a free One-to-One session after course completion Dates Tuesday 24th March, 2026 Wednesday 25th March, 2026 Times for each session 6.30 to 9.30pm Delivered live online using Zoom

Calling all Central Bedfordshire & Bedford Superheroes!

Got an event that’ll empower minds and boost well-being or news about services that help people thrive?

A cartoon image of a female superhero

Impact BaseCamp wants to be your megaphone!

Think Facebook, but cooler—BaseCamp is our own social media platform exclusively for the use of our learners. We send regular updates to over a thousand learners looking for ways to feel their best.

If you’re a whiz in the mental health and well-being world and want to connect with folks in Central Bedfordshire and Bedford, get in touch! We’d love to help you spread the word.

Let’s build a community that thrives together!

To let us know about your event of service, please use the form to let us know so we can share with our community of learners.

New Informative Materials: Posters, Flyers, and Brochure Now Available

Impact Mental Health is excited to announce the release of our latest range of informational materials designed to enhance mental health awareness and support. We have developed new A4 posters, vibrant flyers, and a comprehensive brochure, all crafted to provide valuable information and resources to the community.

An image of Impact Mental Health's poster, flyers and brochures

Our new posters come in both A4 and A3 sizes, making them perfect for a variety of spaces. Whether you want to display them in schools, offices, community centres, or doctor’s surgeries, these posters are designed to catch the eye and convey essential messages about mental health. They feature engaging graphics and key information on recognising signs of mental health issues, strategies for maintaining mental well-being, and where to seek help.

Our new flyers are compact yet packed with vital information. They are ideal for handing out at events, including community gatherings, health fairs, and educational workshops. These flyers offer quick tips on managing stress, improving mental health, and accessing support services, making them a handy resource for individuals and families alike.

Our newly designed brochure provides an in-depth look at all our mental well-being courses with direct links to our website and course calendar.

We believe that these new materials will play a crucial role in raising awareness and providing support to those who need it. To ensure widespread accessibility, we invite you to request copies of our posters, flyers, and brochure. Simply complete the form below and we’ll be happy to deliver them to you.

Together, we can make a difference in promoting mental health awareness and support within our communities. Let’s work towards a future where mental health is understood, supported, and prioritised.

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