Registered charity and social enterprise BH Live is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May 2026) with a timetable of fun exercise and wellbeing sessions at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre.
The sessions are designed to help participants improve their mental health, reduce stress and boost overall wellbeing through group exercise, movement and access to specialist resources, while also raising awareness of BH Live’s health and wellbeing programmes that support both mental and physical health.
Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to encourage open conversations about mental health and highlight practical steps people can take to look after their wellbeing. Evidence shows that physical activity and social connection can have a positive impact on mental health, helping to reduce anxiety, improve mood and build resilience.
BH Live remains committed to continuing these conversations and initiatives to ensure every visitor has the resources, confidence, and support to begin, return, or continue their fitness journey. A full list of this year’s sessions is available below.
Pickleball
Mountbatten Leisure Centre | Wednesday 13 May, 5pm-6pm
FREE to attend
Come and have a go at Pickleball! With all equipment provided, this free and relaxed taster session combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis, played over a low net with a plastic ball with holes.
It’s easy to learn, inclusive, and engaging. Suitable for participants of all ages, this is a low-impact way to get moving and meet new people.
Find out more about our other community and health and wellbeing classes, as well as a range of mental health resources, including BH Live’s supported gym sessions, exercise referral scheme, Portsmouth Interaction (a sport and recreation service for adults managing a mental health condition), and more.
Advanced booking is required. Secure your space through the BH Live Active class timetable online or via the app.
Wellbeing Walks
Mountbatten Leisure Centre (meet outside reception) | Thursdays (until 27 August 2026), 10:30am-12pm
FREE to attend
Guided by BH Live Active instructors, improve your mental and physical health in a friendly and supportive group with a weekly 2.4 mile shoreline walk. Build stamina and strengthen legs while enjoying stunning shoreline views and the company of other participants.
Advanced booking is required. Secure your space through the BH Live Active class timetable online or via the app.
Please note: a health form will need to be completed before taking part. Sessions will take place until Thursday 27 August 2026.
Hot Topics: Menopause
Mountbatten Leisure Centre | Thursday 14 May 2026, 7pm-9pm
FREE to attend
Following the success of the first Hot Topics workshop in October 2025, BH Live brings back this open and honest discussion to Mountbatten Leisure Centre to tie in with Mental Health Awareness Week.
Delivered by local experts Dr Jill Rutter (PhD MSc BPharm Hons) and Ruth Heatherley (BA Hons PG Dip MBAC Reg), this session encourages participants to share their experiences, ask questions, and explore practical ways to manage the symptoms of menopause.
Advanced booking is required. Secure your space at bhliveactive.org.uk/whats-on
Portsmouth Interaction
Portsmouth Interaction provides a service for people living within the city with mental illness.
Through offering a variety of low-cost recreational activities from fitness to well-being, the scheme looks to pave the way for people to build new skills and gain confidence to allow them to move back into mainstream groups.
Trained staff will be on hand to support clients with a range of conditions. Some of the activities available via the scheme include:
- Supported gym sessions
- Swim sessions
- Guided group walks
- NEW social shoreline cycle rides
For more information about Portsmouth Interaction, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/health-and-wellbeing-activities/portsmouth-interaction
Mountbatten Leisure Centre is owned by Portsmouth City Council and is operated by BH Live.
On behalf of Matt Low, Portsmouth Area Manager, shared;
“Mental Health Awareness Week is a valuable reminder that looking after our mental wellbeing is just as important as our physical health. Through these sessions, we want to give people a welcoming, supportive space to move, connect and learn simple tools they can use in everyday life.”
BH Live is committed to inspiring more people to improve their health and wellbeing by moving more regularly and reducing barriers to physical activity. For more information about BH Live’s health and wellbeing programmes, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/health-and-wellbeing-activities.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues.
BH Live (Enterprises) Limited is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of the parent organisation, established to manage the non-charitable activities, primarily relating to Conferences and Exhibitions.
Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council, Croydon Council, and Southampton City Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn – BH Live
Facebook – @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
Instagram @bhliveuk
Head office address: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH, DORSET
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Mountbatten Leisure Centre
Mountbatten Leisure Centre is owned by Portsmouth City Council and is operated in partnership with registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.
Portsmouth’s flagship leisure and event venue. Located in the heart of Hilsea, Mountbatten is located just a short distance from Portsmouth’s city centre. Its large and well-equipped gym, accessible by lift, has multiple zones with something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness.
Dedicated training areas offer cardio machines, free weights, functional fitness spaces and more. With health and wellbeing professionals on hand, there is also an exercise referral team to offer guidance and support if recovering from an illness, injury or long term health condition. Group exercise classes run seven days a week and include Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyCombat, Sprint, Grit, Group Cycle, Bootcamp, Shapes, yoga, Pilates, aqua, TechnogymTM Group Cycle, circuits, and more.
There is a 50 metre swimming pool (divided into two) with regular public swimming sessions, lane swimming, pool-based classes and lessons. There is also a smaller teaching pool for little ones and lessons. Mountbatten is also home to AquaDash – a large pool inflatable course – great fun for young people, team building away days, and parties. Spa facilities include a sauna, spa bath and steam room.
Mountbatten offers a broad health and wellbeing programme which focuses on helping people with long-term conditions to stay active and build their confidence in one one-on-one or group settings.
Mountbatten is also home to a Clip ‘N Climb leisure attraction and MountAirXL, a giant inflatable complete with slides, jumps, and adventure zones.
Multi-sport activities and events are held in the centre’s eight-court sports hall throughout the year in partnership with local clubs and schools. An outdoor velodrome and athletics track hosts regular training, events and competitions throughout the year.
Open to members and non-members, a Terrace Café has free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks.
ANPR is in operation at Mountbatten Leisure Centre. There is free customer parking for up to four hours, seven days a week. Accessible spaces are available for Blue Badge holders. Charges apply for longer stays – see car park signage for details.
Find out more at bhliveactive.org.uk/mountbatten.
Get social with us:
Facebook – @mountbattenlc
Instagram – @bhliveactive
Address: BH Live Active Mountbatten, Alex Way, Portsmouth, PO2 9QA, HAMPSHIRE