Skip to content

Dance event has 'massive effect' on mental health

Isabella VeronaBrackley, Northamptonshire
Contributed A group of people standing looking at the camera smiling. Some have their arms up and are waving or pointing. They are standing in a gymnasium with a teal wall behind them and a basketball hoop on the wall. Contributed
Northampton-based Step-By-Step dance school is run by Andrzej Malinowski

A woman taking part in a dance fundraiser for a mental health charity said it has had a "massive effect" helping people.

Nicola Lawrence, 52, is one of the contestants for the 2026 Strictly Brackley competition which raises money for the charity Mental Health Friends.

It is organised by Step-By-Step dance school and takes place on Saturday at 18:30 BST at Brackley Leisure Centre.

Lawrence, from Brackley, who has struggled with her mental health, said: "If people didn't raise money [for mental health charities] then I might not be here now."

Contributed Two women smiling looking at the camera. They are standing outside, with a garden fence and trees visible behind them.Contributed
(Left) Nicola Lawrence and her sister-in-law, Natasha Lawrence (right), said doing the competition together makes it feel less daunting

After struggling with the menopause and finding out she was neurodiverse when she was 48, she benefitted from the support offered to her.

"Two years ago, I could barely get up... I needed help.

"To be able to raise money and help other people feels really lovely," she added.

Lawrence and her sister-in-law, Natasha Lawrence, are doing the competition to "step out of their comfort zones" and try something new.

"It's good exercise - I've smiled and I've got something to do... it is massive the effect it has and how it can help people," she explained.

Claire Readman A blonde-haired woman looking at another woman that is looking away from the camera. She is wearing a black hoodie with MHF written on a bright yellow logo. They are sitting on a grey sofa with fluffy cushions.Claire Readman
Since opening about 1,000 people have been helped by the charity

Claire Readman founded Mental Health Friends in 2019 after battling depression and social anxiety and recovering from a breakdown.

"I have been in a very deep, dark, place, so if I can make a small difference to one person, that's all that matters," she said.

The charity helps to create supportive communities to support mental health and prioritises early intervention.

It organises drop-ins every Thursday at the Chatty Parrot Cafe in Brackley.

Each contestant has a goal of £250 which will go towards mental health as well as the Step-By-Step Arts Foundation.

"There is such little funding, so little support out there and the waiting lists are huge so if we can intervene early on and make a change, that's what matters to me."

Contributed The woman is smiling and looking at the camera. She has a pixie cut hair style and facial piercings. She has a blue towel around her shoulders. Contributed
Michelle May Hetherington has not danced since she was young

Michelle May Hetherington is a contestant and someone with first-hand experience of the positive impact of the charity.

She has previously battled addiction but has now been sober for the last seven years.

In that time, she has worked on recovery and improved her mental health and said she felt like she owed Claire Readman her life.

"In the addiction, it's quite lonely and you break people's hearts. I have two beautiful children and I can never get those years back.

"I can show them that I've changed and they can be proud of me and they are proud of me," she explained.

Contributed Four people standing together and smiling at the camera with their arms out. One man is wearing a cream t-shirt with long hair and a beard. Next to him is a blond haired person wearing a black tank top. Standing in the foreground is a woman wearing a pink sports bra with tattoos over her arms and torso. Next to a man wearing a black t shirt and white trousers. Contributed
(Left) Neil Cassidy said there is a lack of men wanting to participate in the competitions

Despite not having danced since she was five years old, the friendly environment has made it less daunting.

"It's like a family, they've all got your back.

"I've gone out of my comfort zone massively and I'm still uncomfortable... but I won't let people down," Hetherington added.

'Need more men'

Neil Cassidy, a builder from Northampton, began competing in local dance competitions in 2023 and is advocating for more men to take part.

"We need more men to apply as contestants...it's good for fitness and good for the head," he said.

Cassidy said there is a "stigma" around male dancers but "there's lots of people here to support you and help you get involved."

Do you have a story suggestion for Northamptonshire? Contact us below.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More stories of interest
Mental Health Friends