Thursday 31st January 2019 - Ajani courses

Posted 3:10pm

Hackney

After the frustration of last year,, where we had programmes organised and then, for various reasons, they fell through, it appears we are making progress at the moment - albeit offering for free.

We start two in Hackney in February - one on Tues 19th and one on Thurs 21st.  They are in different parts of the borough - the first close to Homerton station, the second near to Newington Green. Both offer exciting opportunities, as it is an older group, and therefore different dynamics. And if we can get these working with good outcomes, then there is the chance to do fee paying courses elsewhere, so we have to impress.

Both will be four sessions, and we will have to adapt for our clientele,, but that is all part of offering a fluid programme. Lazza, Luke and Dean are all going to be delivering these courses, and they are already getting together to ensure they go smoothly. These will be the first Hackney courses.

Haringey

We met with the Haringey Well-being Network before Christmans, and they reacted well to our approach and expressed interest in doing a couple of programmes. We have recontacted and would like to do at least one to finish before the end of March, but are waiting back to chat further and get things organised. This will be the first proper Haringey courses following the disappointment with the communication with Haringey Mind. We are determined to make these work.

Islington

We have two opportunities here.

Firstly, we are speaking with Peabody about doing a free Ajani with their service users as a taster of our delivery, and even offered a half day quick taster to their staff. We are just waiting back to have a good meeting with them on this.

Secondly, we have also approached Better Lives in Grays Inn Rd, and again are waiting back for a meeting. We had a brief chat with them where they expressed interest.

All in all, we are trying our hardest to show that we have a great concept, a unique delivery, and can produce great outcomes.

Thursday 31st January 2019 - New funding stream partnerships?

Posted 2:50pm

First of a three entries on the blog today - as a lot of news to convey.  Bur, firstly, this month seems to have gone very quickly.  It's scary to be honest. But we have made big strides.

I have already mentioned this in this blog, but there is more news. There is a new fund released by the Mayor of London, and it focuses on improving both mental and physical health with sport and exercise. It would enable us to get full time salaries for a year, continue to look for sustainable funding, but also give is an opportunity to work with service users without continuing to look over our shoulders the whole time.

However, we are realistic in that we are still a new social enterprise with little actual evidence of ourselves (despite huge reams of research that shows, if we deliver responsibly, the probable significant outcomes we will achieve).  Applications in by 28th February.

With that in mind, we are looking to partner up with various organisations for the application, delving into their knowledge in resources alongside our unique delivery.

I am making meetings with the local gyms - managed by GLL through Better. If we can get use of Hihgbury Leisure, Sobell Centre, Pancras Leisure and Archway, we can offer four or five fitness sessions in the week. We will also look to expand the healthy walks to four or five a week too.  On top of that, we would like to utilise opportunities with the CCG on weight management, as well as healthy lifestyle opportunities.  We would like to be running at least two to three half day group outings a month.  We have re-approached Peabody, with whom we have a funding application pending, to see if we can team up with them on this too - no expense to them, but huge possible outcomes.  It's win win all round.  Just waiting to hear back on meetings now.

Finally, it would be great to be able to run one or two general get togethers a month, for tea/coffee and chat, plus bingo, quiz, and a large group fitness session for all ages and abilities.

It is an exciting opportunity to bring community together, as well as a chance for us to establish ourselves. The money would pay full time salaries for Lazza and Luke, a part time for PT, as well as running costs. A lot of work to get on with in the next 28 days!!!!!

Tuesday 29th January 2019 - New Video - 300 second on Izzwalkz

Posted 10:05pm

Here we go. Out third video - this one on Izzwalkz.

Lazza does not use cue cards, and does it all in one take. It means there are a few "umms" but HMHB likes the natural look.

Tuesday 29th January 2019 - second video on youtube - daily from now

Posted 12:40pm

We posted the second in our series of videos on Youtube last night, following the first one Sunday.

This one is "300 seconds on ... Ajani"   It describes our programme on mental health.

Tonight we will complete on one Izzwalkz - and then every day we will launch new material. Everyone has to start somewhere. It is naturally a dream to see if we can grow followers, but fundamentally it is about providing access to various information and knowledge. Although Lazza has done the first couple of videos, we intend to bring in others to participate and see where it all leads. Exciting times.

If you wish to watch the video - please go to Youtube - and type in "300 seconds on Ajani"
We would love any "likes" "comments" and especially people to follow our channel.

PT Dean and Lazza are going to renew all the exercise videos to the new series, as well as add a lot more. Lazza is hoping this will enable him to lose weight!!! 

Tuesday 29th January 2019 - Nitty gritty paperwork

Posted 12:30pm

I have met many people over the years, anxious to get funding for various projects, but with very little clue of the general paperwork involved behind the scenes.

When we got the small funding last year that allowed us to pay salary for two months, HMHB found a terrific local accountant to ensure we registered with PAYE correctly, and the HMRC. We paid our tax and national insurance correctly.

Another financial matter centres around pensions. Regulations are now ion p-lace that all employers should have automatic enrolment, and there needs to be a declaration of compliance. I have just dealt with that myself. It's the small matters like this that many entrepeneurs miss out, but can lead to fines.

Monday 28th January 2018 - New Blog launched

new blog launched

www.healthymindshealthybods.blogspot.com

Posted 3:15pm

Today we launch our new blog.  It is based on providing information and knowledge on our core values around mindset, health, fitness, nutrition and routine - focusing on university research, NHS news, and generally anything that we think is quite interesting.

Every day there appears to be another study released that provides information on exercise and how it affects your lifestyle: various foods and drinks that we should or shouldn't be avoiding; etc.

So we have decided to put it in one place, and add our own HMHB thoughts too. We hope people will follow it, and enjoy.

It is

www.healthymindshealthybods.blogspot.com

Sunday 27th January 2019: 300 seconds on ... Healthy Minds Healthy Bods.

I have today published our first "300 seconds on ...." video on Youtube


I chose, as the subject, Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods

It was done with no prompt cards, and I decided also all in one take.

We chose "300 seconds", and not five minutes, as there are a lot of videos on Youtube that already start with that title, but we found none that started with 300 seconds. Therefore we hope to stand out and make all future videos start with the same.

Personally I was very pleased with myself.  I have never done anything like this before, and being quite a technophobe am pleased with the outcome.  More videos will follow.

Yay!!!

Tuesday 22nd January 2019 - more on corporate - plus blog/videos news

a new blog, plus new videos - will be public on Friday

Posted 1:40pm

I know it must feel as if we are constantly talking about funding, but it is crucial to our future, if we are to have one.

HMHB had really wanted to have started talking to Corporate Responsibility Managers by now, and the time it is taking is frustrating, but that initial contact has to be just right.

With that in mind, we have again adjusted a draft email, which is being sent around for checking and adjustments. We  have included Mellow Parenting, as well as making a stronger emphasis on the needs of the Employer and their outcomes. We need to offer what they want, and not what we want.  I think the balance is just about there. I can then start contacting later this week. We will also be stressing the fantastic Islington Gazette write up.

It is really hard being a new business set up, that should be financed by public money, but being asked to provide evidence of our capabilities. There is only so much voluntary work we can do. Being on Universal Credit myself, there is a push to get off benefits as quickly as possible.

On an upbeat note, we are now ready to start on our new Blog and Videos. We were going to be launching these at the start of January. However, a nasty virus put paid to the videos - there is not point in launching husky voiced output. Our new "300 seconds on ..." series will start tomorrow - and we will let people know when they are uploaded and how to view. It is a new venture we have not tried before, so hopefully our unique delivery style can cross over to this genre.

A new blog is being added to at the moment, covering topics around mind-set, health, fitness, exercise, nutrition and routine. We should have around 20 entries by the end of the week, and we will then open it to the public, and add daily entries from then on. Another exciting thing we have n ot tried before.

Monday 21st January 2019 - "Business of the Week" Islington Gazette

Posted 2:40pm

Wow!!!!!!!

In this week's issue, following a long telephone interview with Lazza, Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods has been featured as "Business Of The Week". We are so proud and humbled. All the hard work and effort seems to have paid off, and it is great to be recognised in such a way.

Here is a link to the story.

https://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/news/health/hmhb-free-fitness-classes-combat-mental-health-issues-1-5857039

We have tweeted it out, placed it on our Facebook, and generally told as many people as possible. We have also contacted the BBC, hoping that we can be featured in the near future. Seed funding is clearly our biggest oncoming issue - so this could possibly open some doors.

Wednesday 16th January 2019 - walking app and step counting

Posted 5:20pm

I mentioned this last year, but I have been actively using it a lot since the turn of the year.

Walking is, naturally, a terrific exercise. Just bringing 'movement' into your daily routine can bring great benefits. There are a lot of apps, and various pieces of technology, that encourage you to walk more, including counting steps. They say we should all aim for 10,000 a day.

HMHB ;promotes walking as a terrific boost to your energy levels. It is free, outdoors, and helps control various ailments.

Last year, Luke brought the "sweatcoin" app to my attention. The logo is above. I have found that it does make me walk more. You gain "coins" for the distance you walk, and these in turn can be swapped for "treats" - although you normally have to build up over time to enjoy the better ones.

I realised that I had been getting a bit lazy, using a bus ot train when I could have walked, so hev made a determined effort to get my 10000 steps a day. I think an app like this can just make you accountable. Visual aids like this are great. But, also they are not vital or mega important. Just get out and walk more. Enjoy the fresh air.

Wednesday 16th January 2019 - hackney opportunities

Posted 5:15pm

Had a terrific meeting with the Wellbeing Development Manager of a Hackney organisation this afternoon which went very well. Total understanding of what we are about, as well as the joint outcomes we are lookking to achieve.

I have already had confirmation that they want to start two courses on the same day - Tuesday 19th February - which we are doing for free for them. A slightly different dynamic with older service users, but this should be great experience for us to learn even more about our delivery.

We have also been invited to a mini well-being day they are running at one of their premises on the 7th February. This would enable us to mix with residents of different ages and mental health issues who can benefit from our programme. It will give us a chance to network, and even provide a small taster.

Although these are free, it was mentioned that they run a huge number of estates and homes around London, and there is the opportunity to run other programmes, for which we would charge.

Another positive day!!

Tuesday 15th January 2019 - more on corporate; plus application submitted

Posted 1:30pm

Had a solid meeting with a lady called Rachel, who is part of a hopeful collaboration around corporate funding. As you know, we will be approaching big business re sponsorship - and in return ask to work with their employees, helping on physical, mental and emotional health. In fact, HMHB had hoped to already be doing this, and only illness has held us back.  We will be starting to contact by the end of this week.

We hope to collaborate with Mellow Parenting - especially they are looking at the anti-natal approach, with in house intervention. We think this could be very exciting.

It is a little tense, in that we obviously both need funding - although they are more established, are award winning, and already have great provenance.  Being fairly new, we are in a slightly less position. But ultimately, we both want to make staff happier, healthier, fitter, stronger and more aware of a healthy lifestyle.

More news to follow on that. But also letting people know we have today submitted our funding request with Peabody - fingers crossed!!

Monday 14th January 2019 - applications and meetings + gym

Posted 11:55am

Yep - I feel a little like that pic at the moment. Was just about to start on another "to-do" list, as important to get things down in writing. And we are almost half way through January already!!!!

Last night I completed the funding application form for Peabody. Sent a copy to :Luke and Scott to oversee, but generally I was very happy. I also sent a copy to the lady from Peabody, who came back with a couple of small suggestions, but she also commented that it looked quite good. This could really save our bacon for a short while, especially as we concentrate on establishing ourselves, as well as seek other funding. So keeping everything crossed. I will submit the application tonight (closing day is tomorrow) and we will wait and see!!!

I am dressed in my new suit as I have a meeting with Scott later. It felt so good to dress up. This is how I intend to be. Every day, even though seeking funding, I need to treat as if it is a work day. looking smart is part of that - and in fact, for just the mental health side of it, it breeds positive vibes.

Meeting with Scott today, Hackney tomorrow, Peabody in week, plus organising with Haringey. too. A hopeful partnership meeting on Wednesday too. Things are moving forward.

Finally, as people know, we run a free fitness session on a Saturday morning at the Sobell Centre (run by Better Islington). We have approached Pancras Leisure Centre (also a Better facility) with a view of running a midweek session there. We will wait and see.

Saturday 12th January 2019 - Suited & Booted

Posted 10:00pm

"Suited & Booted is a charity based in the City of London. Public agencies refer vulnerable, unemployed and low-income men to us, and we help them get into employment by providing suitable interview clothing donated by companies and professionals"

Lazza realised he needed to be smarter for meetings, so approached Single Homeless Project in regards to finding a suit. They referred him onto Suited and Booted.

"I was so lucky, and came away with an amazing great suit. They were really kind and patient. I also got a smart/casual outfit, three shirts, two pairs shoes, a jumper and a coat. Honestly, it was so kind and helpful".

It was also a reality check, and a reason Lazza signed up for the weight management course. The suit was a little larger than ones he had had before. But what a great incentive to really kick on.

Thanks Suited and Booted!!!

Friday 11th January 2019 - funding applications are stressful

Posted 2:15pm

In the process of completing a funding application for Peabody at the moment. Was doing last night, but forgot to save, pressed the wrong button on the keyboard and lost most of the information. Had to restart.

Needs to be in by Tuesday, but Peabody have been very helpful. I will complete it tonight and send off to my board to have a peek, as well as Peabody to look over before I submit.

These applications - and we have done a few - can be fraught with stress. We feel we tick the relevant boxes for what they want to fund, and definitely are looking at similar outcomes. We also feel we have the capabilities, strengths and responsibility to handle the funds appropriately. Ultimately, it is down to the funders to agree, and that can affect how we go about the next few months.

There are large sections on who we are, what we do, how we can help them achieve their goals, as well as our history, achievements and expertise.

It is for a total of £10,000 - and we will be applying for that amount, and I have already constructed a detailed spreadsheet showing the expenditure clearly. Of course, we may not be awarded that total, if in fact anything. It could really help us in the short run though. And possibly open doors.

Anyone who has had to apply for funding will know just how apprehensive and terrifying the whole procedure can be. However, it is just another challenge to overcome in reality.

Thursday 10th January 2019 - walk, peabody, suit

Thurs 10th Jan - cold Izzwalkers

Posted 9:50pm

Still recovering from a nasty sore throat and raspy cough. It seems every time I try to get to the gym I have something pop up to knock me out!! 

But onwatds. I still organised today's walk on a cold morning. Seven of us managed to put up with the weather. I have reposted the walk on the local "Nextdoor" internet network, and have a couple of responses, so maybe we will get some new members next week.

Yesterday's meeting with Peabody Housing went very well.  We are completing a funding application. Hopefully we will be successful and be able to do some work with them. They appeared enthusiastic and could be the start of a great relationship.

Finally, on a small blog entry today, I have to thank Single Homeless Project who have referred me onto "Suited and Booted" - a charity that helps those on low income get a suit and clothing suitable for job interviews or meetings. I contacted SHP as we have big meetings coming up and I need to be professional looking.

Wednesday 9th January 2019 - meetings galore; need action

Posted 12:45pm

It's been a busy start to the New Year - and productive. I just need to rid myself of a naughty throat virus that makes me sound like James Earl Jones (deep and husky!)

Looking forward to several upcoming meetings - one of which is this afternoon, so there will probably be another entry later today. That is with Peabody Housing Association (ironically, my own HA). Discussing a possible grant, as well as opportunities of working with their employment team.

Friday we are hooking up with an organisation in Hackney, recommended by the Public Health Head of Service. Luke and Lazza met with them before Christmas, and we must have done something right.

Next week, we have two meetings organised around our Corporate approach, with our mentor Scott, as well as possible partners Mellow Parenting.  Lazza's throat virus has just delayed our starting approach by a couple of days, but we intend on starting that from tomorrow.

We have also followed up on our Haringey Wellbeing Service approach, following a terrific meeting with them before Christmas.

So, lots going on, as usual. Naturally, meetings are great, but we have had a lot in the past that have gone very well and then have peetered out to nothing.  This is a vital time for us to push for action.

Tuesday 8th January 2019 - keeping that growth mind-set mentality

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

Martin Luther King, Jr

Posted 2:00pm

Our Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods business set-up is a fantastic practical example of staying positive, persevering and keeping that "challenge" mentality of a Growth Mind-set.

We have encountered brick walls constantly, but continue to climb them, reach the other side, and continue our journey. Even this year, we are already facing obstacles.

For funding, as discussed a lot recently, we feel an approach to the private sector, large Corporates, may be our best bet. We were going to start contacting Corporate (Social) Responsibility Managers this week. However, as usual an unforeseen event rears its ugly head in the form of a nasty cold virus, affecting throats, voices, and energy. But, it just means a small delay - which is good in one way to enable us to make sure paperwork is complete. And we can catch up. That's the attitude to take.

We also were looking to start daily videos online on our Youtube channel. Again, the husky voice, together with a raspy cough, has meant a delay on that too. It's funny, but a couple of years ago, without that positive vibe, it could have knocked us back a lot. Mentally we are all a lot stronger now, as we follow our own HMHB advice. There is no point in us advocating a growth mind-set, and then inwardly collapsing with a fixed mind-set outlook!

We are already a week into January, which is another pivotal month for us. It is important to focus and pinpoint our efforts.