Fighting mental health and social isolation

Joseph Bleetman

Winner of Future Fit Training’s Legacy Award

Overcoming obstacles

Joseph Bleetman, winner of Future Fit Training’s Legacy Award, opened the conference with an inspiring account of how physical activity has helped him overcome mental health issues and how he now plans to help other young people.

After hitting his lowest point at 16, Joseph said he made a vow to work on himself and follow his dream. He started to read books written by some of the world’s most successful people, meditate every morning and night, and even take cold showers to increase his ability to withstand stressful situations.

Physical activity’s positive impact on mental health

Joseph talked about the stress that many young people feel today. This is due to a variety of reasons including social media and an education system that is heavily focussed on grades and league tables.

“The education system is not wrong for everyone, but it’s not right for everyone either. There’s a large proportion of youngsters who need extra support.”

Now, aged just 19, Joseph is working with a number of organisations to help build a facility which helps young people through fitness and the creative arts.

“I want to help build a future where youngsters are not afraid to follow what they are passionate about through fitness, music or any other subject that the system tells us is inferior to maths or English.”

Physical activity will play a key role in the facility, known as Advocacy House.

“It is the best anti-depressant and it teaches youngsters the power of mental strength and positive community activity. Movement is medicine and youngsters can use fitness instead of pills to overcome many of their issues.”

The future of fitness and mental health

Joseph ended his talk by sharing his vision for the future.

“I want to build a programme, brand and business where today’s youth use fitness as their therapy. The centre that I envisage is one where fitness, structured social interaction, martial arts, yoga and meditation can be used for therapeutic purposes.

Youth will soon be happier, healthier and more confident if my plans come to fruition.”

Joseph has since joined the CIMSPA youth panel.