Feel better through movement and CBT with Total Wellbeing Luton

A local <a href="https://healthylife7.com/exploring-the-mental-health-burden-of-ehlers/" title="Exploring the Mental Health Burden of Ehlers”>mental health service has launched an innovative programme that combines exercise with therapy to support individuals struggling with low mood or depression. Total Wellbeing Luton, a service dedicated to supporting people living in Luton who want to improve their physical and emotional health, has created the Power our Minds: Feel Better Through Movement & CBT programme that will see participants take part in different forms of gentle exercise before seeing a therapist for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Total Wellbeing Luton offers a range of free health and wellbeing support for adults aged 16 and over. The service helps people improve their mental wellbeing through Talking Therapies, while also providing support to stop smoking, manage weight, become more physically active, and make positive lifestyle changes to improve overall health and wellbeing. The sessions will be held in a welcoming and inclusive space where people will have the freedom to move at their own pace as they take part in gentle, guided movements to boost mood and wellbeing, and learn practical tools to manage depression and low mood. One client supported by the service said the programme has improved their physical and mental wellbeing. “The exercise program has given me more confidence, improved my mental health and I have learnt new exercises that have helped me to achieve my goals. “I am now motivated to continue to maintain/improve my fitness level and have also been sleeping better too.” Additional clients also shared their experiences of the programme: “I love the physical part of the programme. I really enjoy that, and I think I prefer that part because I’ve always been more athletic.” Another said, “I’m putting into place all the things that I’ve been taught. I’ve ordered a diary, and I’m going to start activity planning. I think that keeping track is going to be really helpful because it is noticing.” The next programme will begin on the 16 September 2026 and will run for six weeks, with sessions taking place on every Monday from 3-5pm at Inspire Luton Sports Village. Applications are now open. The sessions have been designed by, Lauren Duffy, a Level 4 Exercise & Mental Health Specialist who works as a High Intensity CBT Therapist at Total Wellbeing Luton and Khy Cyrus, a Senior Healthy Lifestyles Specialist who works as a Physical Therapist at Total Wellbeing Luton.  The programme is supported by Kledi Leka, a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner at Total Wellbeing Luton, who will be working alongside participants throughout the sessions.  “When combined with CBT skills, physical activity becomes a powerful two-part approach—supporting both the body’s energy and the mind’s patterns,” said Duffy.“Exercise is a natural antidepressant for many people—accessible, adaptable, and a meaningful part of a holistic recovery plan. “Physical movement strengthens not only muscles but also resilience. It creates space for hope, clarity, and emotional recovery.” Leigh-Anne Cruickshank, Senior Operations Manager at Total Wellbeing Luton, said: “As a talking therapies service, we see every day how depression can affect motivation, confidence, and connection. “We launched this programme because combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with structured fitness can be genuinely transformative. Movement supports mood, and CBT helps people change the thinking patterns that keep them stuck, together they create a powerful route to recovery. “This programme is about giving people hope and practical tools at the same time. We’re proud to offer something that not only improves mental health but also helps people feel more empowered in their everyday lives.” Participants are encouraged to bring comfortable clothing, suitable footwear, and any medication they may need. The programme is open to anyone aged 16 and over. How to Join Feel Better Through Movement programme: Follow the link to Self-refer – https://gateway.mayden.co.uk/referral-v2/9183fc60-239c-4c5a-af66-2e25d24e878e Or visit totalwellbeingluton.org, call 0300 555 4152