Simon Watkinson’s story shows the full impact of putting people before profit.
Through Edinburgh Leisure’s Healthy Active Minds programme, free, personalised support helped him move from isolation, anxiety and burnout to improved wellbeing, volunteering, professional qualification and paid employment.
His journey demonstrates sustained positive impact, his commitment to continuing his progress, the importance of trusting relationships with staff and volunteers, and the life-changing value of investing in people at the right time.
Healthy Active Minds is Edinburgh Leisure’s mental health and physical activity programme, supporting people experiencing mental health challenges through personalised fitness, coaching and community connection.
The 12-week programme is free, removing financial barriers to participation, with continued discounted access to gyms, swimming and fitness classes (£2 per session), alongside discounts of up to 70% on other activities for up to six months helping people maintain progress beyond initial support.
Over the last year, Healthy Active Minds received 1,317 referrals from GPs and mental health teams, delivered 979 initial consultations and with 553 completing the 12 week programme. Participants accessed 2,127 one-to-one sessions and 136 group activities, including golf, boxing, tennis, badminton and running.
Its wider impact is clear: 77% of participants reported improved mental health, 71% improved quality of life and 86% became more physically active.
Behind these statistics are stories of resilience and renewed purpose. Simon joined Healthy Active Minds during one of the most difficult periods of his life.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, a fully remote role left him increasingly isolated and disconnected.
Although initially positive about working from home, he found it increasingly difficult to build meaningful relationships within a new organisation and the isolation gradually developed into severe anxiety, depression, and burnout.
He was signed off work, withdrew from friends, family and activities he had previously enjoyed, and struggled to see a positive path forward.
Although Simon had sought support through counselling, his GP and mental health services, rebuilding his wellbeing still felt overwhelming. As someone who had always enjoyed sport and staying active, he often found exercise beneficial for his wellbeing.
A friend suggested Healthy Active Minds and, after discussing the programme with his mental health nurse, he was referred for support. Looking back, Simon describes this as a turning point in his journey.
From his first consultation, Simon says he experienced a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where he felt supported as an individual, not defined by his mental health challenges.
Working closely with his Health Instructor, he attended regular gym sessions tailored to his goals, rebuild fitness, managed a recurring back injury and regained confidence through sustainable routines.
The impact went far beyond physical health. Exercise became a foundation for rebuilding Simon’s wellbeing, reducing isolation and creating a more hopeful future.
He described Healthy Active Minds as giving him: “A solid base to build from, both mentally and physically.”
A defining strength of Healthy Active Minds was the trust Simon built with staff, volunteers and fellow participants. Their encouragement helped him feel safe, listened to, and understood at a time when loneliness and isolation had become major factors in his declining mental
health.
As Simon’s wellbeing improved, he wanted others to experience the same support. He began volunteering with the Healthy Active Minds Racquet Club, welcoming new participants and helping create the same supportive environment that had helped him.
Volunteering became a major milestone in his recovery, showing renewed confidence, purpose and commitment.
Inspired by this experience, and encouraged by staff, Simon completed his Level 2 Gym Instructor qualification and secured employment with Edinburgh Leisure this May, only three months after beginning his journey with us.
Today, he combines paid employment with ongoing volunteering, using his lived experience to support others on their wellbeing journeys.
By removing financial, practical and emotional barriers, Healthy Active Minds gave Simon free, personalised support when he needed it most.
Edinburgh Leisure’s investment in his recovery helped him rebuild confidence, hope and purpose.
His progression from participant to volunteer and employee shows how putting people before profit can create lasting change for one person and a wider ripple effect through the people he now supports.
