Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund Impact Report
Dance for Wellbeing: Ballet for Beginners (January 2026 – Present)
Overview
In January 2026, Get Active Coaching CIC was awarded £10,000 from the Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund to launch our Dance for Wellbeing: Ballet for Beginners programme.
Following the early success of the project, we were delighted to secure a further £10,000 of funding for January 2027, allowing us to continue delivering the programme and expand its positive impact within our community.
The programme was designed to support the mental and physical wellbeing of adults by providing an inclusive, welcoming and completely free opportunity to experience ballet regardless of age, ability or previous dance experience.
Our Approach
Using the funding, we established a weekly Ballet for Beginners class in the heart of Paisley, creating an accessible community space where adults could come together to improve both their physical and mental wellbeing.
The sessions focus on far more than learning dance techniques. They provide an opportunity for participants to:
- Meet new people and build meaningful social connections.
- Learn a new skill in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.
- Improve balance, coordination, mobility and confidence.
- Enjoy regular physical activity in a fun and welcoming setting.
- Take time for themselves and prioritise their wellbeing.
By removing financial barriers through free access, we have been able to welcome participants from a wide range of backgrounds and encourage people who may never have considered attending a dance class before.
The Difference We’ve Made
Since launching the programme, more than 20 adults have signed up, with a strong core group attending regularly each week.
The class has quickly developed into much more than a dance session. It has become a supportive community where participants encourage one another, celebrate progress and enjoy spending time together.
For many attendees, the programme provides a regular opportunity to leave the house, connect with others and take part in an activity that promotes both physical movement and positive mental wellbeing.
The continuation funding awarded for 2027 reflects the positive impact already being seen and will allow us to build on this strong foundation over the coming year.
Key Statistics
- £10,000 awarded in January 2026.
- Additional £10,000 secured to continue delivery from January 2027.
- Free weekly Ballet for Beginners classes established in Paisley.
- More than 20 adults engaged in the programme.
- A growing community of regular participants attending each week.
- Safe, welcoming and inclusive environment promoting mental and physical wellbeing.
Looking Ahead
With continued funding now secured, we are excited to further develop the Dance for Wellbeing programme over the coming year.
Our aim is to grow participation, strengthen the supportive community that has already formed and continue providing an accessible opportunity for adults to improve their wellbeing through movement, creativity and social connection.
By making dance accessible to everyone, we hope to demonstrate that wellbeing can be improved through enjoyable, inclusive activities that bring communities together.
Impact at a Glance
Funding Award: £10,000 (January 2026)
Continuation Funding Secured: £10,000 (January 2027)
Programme: Dance for Wellbeing – Ballet for Beginners
Location: Paisley
Participants Engaged: 20+
Delivery: Free weekly community ballet sessions
Primary Outcomes: Improved mental wellbeing, increased physical activity, stronger social connections and greater community participation.