Sport as a community force
Sport can be an essential global force for good that leads to healthier populations and brings together communities. Our research looks at sport as way to improve quality of life across demographics and improve elite performance. Across our global campuses our students and staff make the most of sport for wellbeing and to have fun.
Sport and changing perceptions of men’s health
The community of sports teams on our London campus have become a focus for men’s health, through student-lead initiatives like the LADS Project which normalises men talking about their mental health. Every year, our sports teams show their support for community event Movember or Men’s Health Awareness Month. Students grow moustaches to raise awareness of issues such as men’s suicide and cancer. Middlesex University Students’ Union organise talks and events during the month – and bring barbers onto campus.
These positive changes are a sign of how awareness and action around men’s health are changing in our community.
Community exercise and wellbeing for older people
In Walthamstow, Nick Bender set up the Walk and Talk For Your Life programme of wellness and exercise for older adults. It combines informal socialising with a group walk, balance and strengthening routines, plus a discussion around a health topic. During the pandemic, Nick ran eight sessions each week to meet demand.
“It is our aim to help combat the loneliness mental health and chronic disease epidemics facing UK older adults. We’ve seen how the programme can cut loneliness by over 20% and depression by over 30% among those already suffering from these conditions. Importantly we allow people to be vulnerable with others and share how they really feel. That’s when social connection is built.”
Nick Bender, MDX MSc Sport, Physical Activity and Exercise for Special Populations graduate, Founder of Walk and Talk for Your Life
What our local community says
“Walk+Talk has benefitted me immensely during the Lockdown Era! I have met interesting people of varying age & cultures from London. We share and support one another.”
Michaela, Canary Wharf, age 70
