Wisbech GP is using the power of dance to beat mental health issues for his patients

A local GP believes dancing – especially dancing badly – could be the answer to many people’s mental health issues.

As a result Dr Olutosin Awoyemi, a partner at the North Brink Practice in Wisbech which looks after more than 21,000 patients, has launched ‘Free to Be’.

It is an innovative and transformative dance therapy programme open to anyone – not just North Brink patients – that is run weekly at the Leverington Sports and Social Club.

Dr Awoyemi launched the scheme back in August after reading about the success of treating people with mental health problems through the power of dance in the prestigious British Medical Journal.

According to findings reported dance is four-and-a-half times more effective than talking therapies, and two-and-a-half times more effective than medication such as antidepressants.

He said: “I was blown away when I read the article and thought it is something I would like to introduce in Wisbech.”

Dr Awoyemi, who loves performing and is a seasoned master of ceremonies, leads the sessions himself ‘dancing badly’ and encouraging others to let themselves go too.

He said the catchline is: “Dance like nobody is watching or even if they are - do it anyway.”

There are regularly around 10 people attending the Wednesday evening sessions which run from 5pm to 6.30pm and are totally free. Next week will be the last one before the new year. To attend people can register their interest online, or you can simply turn up.

The attendees are from all age groups and include both men and women.

He said the aim is to get everyone on their feet dancing in whatever way they want “to be their free selves”.

“By being their free selves they are letting go of negative thoughts about themselves,” said Dr Awoyemi.

Socal media has led to a lot of people’s mental health issues as they try to measure up to other people’s lifestyles and looks.

Dr Awoyemi said: “People feel free to dance when they have had a drink, they become less inhibited and the aim of ‘Free to Be’ is for people to achieve that without having to use alcohol.

“It is not only good for your mental well-being, but also your physical health too. One of the most gratifying responses I have had to the sessions is from the mum of a 17-year-old girl.

“They had come along together and at the end of the session the girl’s mum said to me ‘It’s the first time I have seen my daughter happy in a long time’ – it was very moving for me.”

Nigerian-born Dr Awoyemi uses his African roots for some of the dance moves he makes and he said dancing in such a way encourages others to dance crazily too.

“It is not about any particular style or routine – we are not going for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ – it is about moving and enjoying the music. In fact, I actively encourage people to dance badly, it is more fun that way,” said Dr Awoyemi who has been at the Wisbech practice for the past three years.

He said the hope is to extend the sessions across Fenland and also into King’s Lynn and he is aiming to train others to lead classes once it becomes more established in Wisbech.

Dr Awoyemi has already used his unique approach to staff training sessions, which he said proved very successful and great fun.

“I will be so happy if it really takes off and I can help more people it will mean so much to me,” he concluded.