Question: How long will MHEC-Fest last? Answer: The event will run for 2 hours on Saturday 20th April 2024, 10am-12pm.

Question: Where is it being held? Answer: MHEC-Fest is being held in approximately 30 locations all over the U.K. by Certified Mental Health & Exercise Coaches! Your MHEC-Fest is taking place in Barking [exact location TBC].  

Question: Can I bring my kids? Answer: Absolutely! One of the biggest barriers to exercise is childcare, plus we want to be teaching our young ones healthy exercise habits from an early age! Please just make sure that you let us know who’s attending using the sign-up form, and if there’s any additional information that we need to be aware of.

Question: My fitness levels aren’t the best, can I still come? Answer: All fitness levels are welcome. The short workout that will be shown to you only lasts 30 minutes, and it will consist of simple exercises that are easy to do. Previous exercise experience isn’t required!

Question: I have exercised before and am fairly fit, is this still suitable for me? Answer: Of course! The workout is tailored towards all fitness levels, meaning no matter your strength or endurance, we’ll make this class the perfect ‘challenging but achievable’ class for you! Plus, the educational talk that I’ll be delivering will be of benefit to everyone.  

Question: Do I have to exercise? Answer: I’ll never ask you to do anything you don’t want to do. However, if I feel like you’re maybe holding yourself back I will encourage participation, but only if you feel up to it. You’re more than welcome to sit back and watch, or simply accompany a friend or family member who wishes to participate.

Question: I have an injury, can I still come along? Answer: Yes, you can! We may advise alternative exercises for you, or recommend that you sit the class out. Fear not, MHEC-Fest is just as much about education as it is exercise, so you’ll have loads to take away
with you even if you don’t take part in the exercise part.  

Question: Do I have to talk about my mental health? Answer: This is a safe space to talk about your mental health, and this will be the reason that many people attend. You’ll never be forced to talk, and you may benefit simply from sitting back and listening to your fellow attendees talking. If you have nothing you wish to share, please do not worry, the act of listening to others share is a really beneficial and rewarding experience.

Question: What are your credentials? Answer: I am a Certified MHEC Coach, meaning that I am trained in the ability to help people improve their mental health through exercise. Whilst I am not a licensed mental health professional, I am trained in the practice of IET (informal Exercise Therapy), which is a process that encourages people to talk about their mental health during or directly after exercise. Although I hold greater capabilities than the average fitness professional, I do also have limitations, and may suggest referring you to speak to a mental health professional or seek another form of mental health support if I believe this is necessary for your health and well-being. I am also First Aid trained.

Question: What if I feel really nervous? Answer: Feeling nervous is totally natural! You might want to back out now, or the morning of the event. Just remember that the feeling of anxiety is very close to the feeling of excitement. I can guarantee you that most attendees will be in the same boat, including me! Remind yourself that giving you the tools to overcome your nerves and anxiety is the whole reason why this event has been created in the first place.

Question: What if I’m only free for part of the event? Answer: If you can only attend for the first hour, that’s no problem. However, unfortunately you cannot attend the event late or miss the introduction. This is to ensure that you are safely looked after and that you understand the event’s agenda.

Question: Can I just drop in on the day? Answer: Again, for safety reasons, this is not possible. I’d love to allow drop ins, but this would mean that I don’t know anything about your fitness levels or background, meaning I can’t support you. Everyone who is attending must read and agree to the safety waiver, as well as submit their attendance (plus a few personal details!) in the attached sign-up form.

Question: Can I bring a friend along with me? Answer: Please bring as many friends or family members as possible. The more people who benefit from this event, the better. Please just make sure that they also submit their attendance using the sign-up form.