The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods, a local project that helps disadvantaged people live a healthier life through walks, exercise, social events and a course on mindset, health and nutrition. Founder Lazza tells us about it.
“I am Lazza, and I run my own Islington-based health project called Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods (HMHB). From an idea back in 2009, I have been working with users now since 2016 to terrific feedback.
“I created HMHB after overcoming a couple of very tough depressions – things happen. But I didn’t want people to feel the way I did and knew I could do something. I had come through various recovery routes – and there are some terrific ones in Islington – but they were very focused on dealing with the issues, naturally, and less on me as a person. I decided to see what I could start.
“I had a solid work background. I had managed an international charity and had been a financial controller for a retail group overseeing multi-million-pound accounts, so I understood business management and the financial side, as well as working with customers.
“We had to prove ourselves, and I’m proud to say we have designed a unique delivery, centred around fun and laughs, but also providing opportunities around fitness and group outings and events. We deliver more social events than any other health project in Islington.
“HMHB created a pioneering course intervention to demonstrate that positive thinking, better nutrition, being fitter and understanding your body can all make people stronger, more energised and focused, and happier, and that’s adults of all ages. We get referrals from the NHS and other local organisations, as well as delivering our course for AGE UK, MIND, Single Homeless Project, Change Grow Live, Better Lives, Job Centres and others.
“HMHB also provide a ground-breaking 50-page Monthly Health Pack – the only one we know of in the country – that reaches thousands of people. I started this when Covid first emerged and the lockdowns meant we had to limit our face to face time with our users. The first of what was weekly issues was just ten pages, quickly rising to 14, then 18. We did 50 issues over the next 50 weeks, the last 30 of which were all 26 pages. I then changed to monthly publications of 36 pages. Towards the end of 2025 I changed to 50 pages every month. It reaches thousands of people around the country.
“Our feedback is brilliant. Mary, a user who has cancer, says, ‘Meeting Lazza changed my thinking. Suddenly I had the info to start accessible exercise classes and take part in various walks and social activities. With a lot of medical appointments and the anxiety that and test results brings, I now had healthy, fun activities that could help me both physically and mentally. It has meant a real change in my neurological state. I no longer fall down, have less vertigo, have better coordination and my mental and emotional state is more stable. I’ve made some lovely friends. All through Lazza’s ability to connect us to the fabulous range of activities available. He spends most of his time researching and linking us up and creating accessible classes and events. His dedication is exceptional.’
“‘What he does is take people out of themselves,’ says another user, Sue. ‘It puts the emphasis on things to do that are interesting and fun, so that people with caring responsibilities, disabilities, mental health problems, long-term illness and all sorts of difficulties have things to look forward to.’
“We have people with cancer, stroke and other issues, including autism, ADHD, tumours, psychosis and more, plus older isolated people, unemployed, others overcoming addiction issues or on parole. There is no judgement, just encouraging people to make the most of their lives.
“I am humbled to say I was the Islington Volunteer of the Year in 2023, and HMHB won a Mayor Civic Award for Outstanding Delivery In The Community. We were even nominated for Federation Small Business Award in 2026.
“Like many projects, we can only work with funding – and being small we struggle – and that is especially true at this time. All our good work is in the balance. HMHB may have to close this year as we are struggling to obtain the funding we need, which is not a lot. We have great connections with Arsenal in the Community and funding from The Arsenal Foundation enabled us to take the group to a variety of venues and events. It’s important because many are low income, but going in a group provides a feeling of belonging, community and lifts confidence and esteem.
“We are looking for sponsorship, and if any business or individuals would like to contact us please do so through our website at www.hmhb2016.org.uk. It is so vital at this time and would mean the world if we could chat. I love Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods and I want it to continue.”
For more information or to donate visit www.hmhb2016.org.uk.
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