Noah’s Ark: Embedding Physical Activity into Mental Health Support

Noah's Ark is a grant-funded charity whose work includes counselling sessions for 5-25-year-olds. As a frontline service with direct contact with young people and schools, they were identified as an 'Active Partner' to help young people in crisis to find improved mental wellbeing through being physically active.

A workshop with 12 practitioners helped identify opportunities for “active conversations” during counselling. Together, they compiled 16 practical suggestions for introducing movement into sessions. Practitioners raised legitimate concerns about mood and readiness, and agreed that physical activity should be introduced only when led by the young person. Overall, there was a shared commitment to embedding active conversations where appropriate.

Walking therapy has emerged as a particularly successful approach. Young people have responded positively to walking sessions, often finding it easier to talk while moving than sitting across a table. Over the summer, Noah’s Ark ran Wellbeing Walks and now hosts regular Walking Wednesday sessions with groups of neurodivergent students at Trinity Sixth Form and Calderdale College.

These sessions have consistent attendance, with participation recorded by the lead counsellor.

The success of these sessions is mirrored in a similar programme with students from Project Challenge, an award-winning youth charity offering two full-time study programmes for 14-16-year-olds, who hold walking groups every Thursday and Friday. Further walking sessions take place with young people accessing Newground Together’s Youth Employment Hub, which supports 16-24 year-olds to gain help in finding a job, training programme, or to re-enter education. In all cases, the walking groups have helped young people to develop confidence and build friendships whilst enjoying the physical, mental and emotional benefits of being active outdoors.

These sessions have consistent attendance, with participation recorded by the Integrated Wellbeing Service co-ordinator, and have led to lots of positive comments, including one young person who said of Walking Wednesdays:

“I have made new friends from the walk and talk with other fellow students who go to the same college as me. I love going on our weekly walks and litter picks it is so much fun, I like being out in nature and helping keep the community tidy - it is a great way to get my steps in. My fitness levels have improved greatly and I am now able to participate in Park run, something I would never of been able to do before”.

Counsellors also advocate for physical activity as a tool for improving mental health. They regularly discuss young people’s engagement with movement both in and out of school or college, and particularly in making the most of our local parks and green spaces.

A survey conducted in May 2025 showed:

• 89% of counsellors encourage service-users to be more active in daily life

• 63% discuss the benefits of physical activity

• 38% run walking therapy sessions

• 89% say conversations about being active are well-received by young people

“The young people value the Wednesday Walks. It gives them time to regulate and share time with others who face similar challenges. Getting them outside and into fresh air really helps them to grow in confidence and manage their anxiety.” - Rebecca Brearley, Integrated Wellbeing Service Research Co-ordinator