Alex’s story: The Hera Project helped me regain confidence

Hear from Alex* who attended our Third Friday sessions at the Old Market in Hove and experienced the surprising benefits of belly dancing for both physical and mental wellbeing.

*Name changed for privacy

How creative health helped me manage chronic fatigue and anxiety

I have been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and movement is definitely a powerful tool to manage the impact of the anxiety. Today's session definitely helped some of these symptoms.

I regularly swim to manage the adrenaline spikes that I experience due to the condition. Swimming is a solitary activity but today's group activity was a wonderful opportunity to share with the group, supporting each other in discarding the ego and moving freely in a safe space.

The physical and emotional benefits of group belly dance!

The belly dance session was so powerful. Firstly, the physical workout was a joy. The comradery of the participants was culpable. As much as I appreciate the power of the non-verbal activity of craft to channel creativity and release anxiety, today's session had an impact on the somatic release of anxious energy.

Creative wellbeing activities that build confidence and connection

I want to thank The Hera Project for for the previous sessions I have attended - particularly the art sessions I attended weekly. Through those sessions I was able to regain confidence and begin to engage in a wider social presence. I was also able to reconnect with creative energy and able to address the mental health challenges I was facing in a non- verbal but therapeutic and safe environment.

Benefits of The Hera Project

I have been successful in securing part time employment. None of this would have been possible without the services The Hera project provides.

Find out more about HERA activities and how to get involved

Find out about The Hera Project’s creative health activities which are funded, at no cost to participants. Please note, while some of the workshops are open to residents with a BN postcode, others are for patients currently registered at WellBN GP surgeries only.