A SUPPORT helpline and pioneering Wales-based fitness app have joined forces to promote mental health awareness.

Fitap provides a platform for communities in Wales to get moving; supporting people in their health and wellbeing journey involves their mental health, and signposting services in their geographical area, as well as encouraging people to exercise, eat healthily and keep active will aid their mental and physical welfare.

Alongside CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales – and to mark World Mental Health Day today (October 10) – they have united to shine a light on an issue which is more prevalent than ever given the post-pandemic economic and social climate.

Fitap founder Alex Cuthbert – who launched the app with Wales rugby union teammate Gareth Anscombe and Welsh CEO and entrepreneur Dean Jones – is proud to be in association with CALL.

He said: “From a sporting perspective, given the demands of the game and the abuse and negativity you can experience on social media and online, it is so important to look after your mental health.

“Having experienced that myself and seen friends and other players impacted, it was a big part of the reason we wanted to do all we could to get behind CALL and promote the value of exercise, social interaction, and nutrition, especially given the amount of time people spent in self-isolation and lockdown.

“Knowing someone is there for you is important, and for those who do not have friends or family to talk to, being able to pick up the phone and speak to the amazing team at CALL is a lifeline.”

Dean added: “We are delighted to be in partnership with CALL and through Fitap can help display and demonstrate the wide range of services available for those who need them most, whether it’s a support group, a phone number or website, there are people who can help at the touch of a button.

“It’s crucial that we get people talking and remove any stigmas around mental health, because it affects so many people, especially at the current time. By putting all this information in one central, accessible place Fitap can help people with that.”

Statistics from MentalHealth-UK.org website revealed people who take part in regular physical activity have up to a 30% lower risk of depression, so the pairing of the app and charity are a perfect match.

CALL Manager Luke Ogden reinforced Dean’s words and thanked Fitap – which unveiled double Olympic gold medallist Jade Jones as a brand ambassador in past weeks – for making mental health services a priority.

“We are pleased to be working with Fitap to promote good mental and physical health to the people of Wales,” he said.

“Mental and physical wellbeing are both closely related and can have an effect on each other, and we feel it is essential that everyone has the tools to learn how they can look after themselves.”

Luke added: “CALL Helpline is an all-Wales mental health helpline, free to use for anyone living in Wales.

“We give emotional support and provide a listening ear for anyone wanting to discuss their mental health concerns and can also signpost users to services across the country.

“Like Fitap, we are always available and are able to support the people of Wales both in Welsh and English – 24/7.”

For more information on Fitap, follow @fitapofficial on social media. 

Text 81066 or call freephone 0800 132 737 for more on CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales. Alternatively, visit www.callhelpline.org.uk.

Visit the World Health Organisation website for news and information on World Mental Health Day: www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day

TWO high profile Welsh rugby players and an entrepreneur have completed a successful round of investment to support the relaunch of a fitness app that will revolutionise the way people access exercise and leisure services in Wales.

Fitap is an innovative search platform connecting gym owners, personal trainers, sports clubs and health and fitness providers with consumers at the touch of a button.

Founded by Wales rugby union internationals Alex Cuthbert and Gareth Anscombe, in partnership with Welsh CEO and entrepreneur Dean Jones, the app is unique and will enable users to search for services in their area, saving time and money and delivering options they may never have come across before.

Those who download Fitap – which is offering free advertising space to fitness professionals until January 2023 – can set up a profile and identify choices tailored to their specific requirements, geographical location, budget, and availability.

“For those providing fitness services, especially independent gyms and personal training facilities, the costs of marketing and advertising is high, and difficult to measure the return on investment. Fitap is an affordable, measurable, and accessible alternative,” said Dean.

“We are excited to share more with people in the coming months as this is a game-changer for the industry and are thankful to those who have supported us on this journey since our soft launch in 2020, notably the well-known businesses and sporting stars who got behind our successful fundraise recently, raising over £200,000.”

Alex and Gareth – key members of the Ospreys and Wales rugby union sides – echoed those comments and believe Fitap will help build a more active and engaged population in Wales.

“At present there is no one-specific place for people to explore their health and fitness options, so the app will fill that void,” said Alex.

“Everybody is different and that includes where they are on their health and exercise journey, so this will give them an easy-to-use alternative to scouring the internet in the hope of finding something suitable.

“We are passionate about helping others to be fit, happy and healthy, so it’s brilliant to be able to relaunch Fitap to the market.”

Gareth added: “As well as physical health the mental health of consumers is hugely important to us – particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and self-isolation – so we have a free section where organisations can promote and share their mental health awareness information and activities.

“The app will support users with a bespoke end-to-end experience and give fitness providers a platform to connect directly with them, so they can advertise discounts and offers, and help bring the health and fitness arena to a modern, tech-savvy audience.

“Fitness classes offered vary from gym classes and tennis lessons to white water rafting and kids summer rugby camps, both online and offline – the range is vast and inclusive.

“We are all heartened by the feedback we’ve received so far as this is exactly what the industry has been waiting for, so watch this space!”

For more information on Fitap, visit www.fitap.co.uk and follow @fitapofficial on social media.