All-action basketball training sessions are helping boost young adults with mental health support needs, thanks to a bumper cash grant from Sport England.

Nottingham-based support service Young Diverse Minds (YDM), which is part of the LHA-ASRA Group, successfully bid for £7,800 from Sport England. The YDM team is now using the grant to fund 40 weeks of basketball coaching for 16 to 30-year-olds with mental health support needs. 

Based in Albert Road, YDM works in partnership with the Early Intervention Psychosis Team at the Nottingham NHS Trust. It provides a day support service for young adults from African, Caribbean and Asian backgrounds.

Last year, clients at YDM were given the opportunity to try their hand at a variety of different activities, from archery and football to abseiling, rock climbing and off-road driving. Basketball was voted the favourite and the bid to Sport England was submitted.

Open to both men and women who access support from either YDM or the Early Intervention Psychosis Team, the basketball sessions take place every Friday afternoon at the Harvey Hadden Stadium in Nottingham.

YDM client, Osvaldo Simao, said: "We're all really enjoying it. Everything about the basketball coaching is great, the coach is excellent, the basketball is a good physical exercise and always fun."

YDM project manager Sally Simnett said: "Receiving this much-needed funding is excellent news for our service.

"Sessions are great for physical health and fitness, but also help build trust and confidence, encourage people interaction, re-establish the use of eye contact and create a regular routine, which collectively aids recovery."