Ballet classes help boost NHS staff wellbeing

Ballet Scotland is supporting NHS and care workers with a new set of moves.

The ballet company is collaborating with NHS Scotland to create and deliver fortnightly exercises for on-duty staff.

The programme of breathe and movement sessions, called Health At Hand, has been created to boost physical and mental health, as well as help ease problems linked with working for long hours.

Scottish Ballet’s Engagement Team will film a package of three video sessions every two weeks offering exercises to warm the body at the start of a shift, create physical and mental balance during breaks and release stress at the end of shifts. The sessions done alone or in groups will be screened via Scottish Ballet’s YouTube channel.

Scottish Ballet’s Health at Hand is part of a programme of dance health classes already online, working with communities across Scotland and reaching weekly views of up to 65,000.

Chief executive officer and artistic director of Scottish Ballet, Christopher Hampson, said: ‘At Scottish Ballet, dance is our primary way of connecting with communities. We are committed to sharing our work beyond the stage, and proud to be collaborating with the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland to bring the benefits of movement to support front line workers.’

Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey, added: ‘I am really pleased Scottish Ballet has partnered with NHS Scotland to offer practical ways for health and social care workers to support their mental health and well being. These classes will help people stay active and complements the Clear Your Head campaign.’