Introduction: A Community-Based Approach to Health
The Holistic 12-Week BAPS wellNESS Programme in the UK represents a pioneering effort by BAPS Charities UK to address health disparities among British South Asians, a community facing higher risks of diabetes, heart disease, and mental health challenges. Hosted at Neasden Temple in London, the initiative merged science, culture, and spirituality to create a trusted, inclusive space for learning and transformation. The programme, driven by a team of volunteer healthcare professionals, sought practical, culturally resonant strategies to support long-term well-being.
The N.E.S.S. Holistic Model
Central to the programme was the four-pillar N.E.S.S. framework: Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep, and Stress. Each pillar was addressed through interactive sessions designed to fit the cultural and spiritual values of participants.
Nutrition
Participants explored macro- and micronutrients through cooking demonstrations and meal-planning that aligned with a sattvic vegetarian diet. The approach emphasised whole foods, mindful portion control, and practical strategies to incorporate nutritious meals into daily life.
Exercise
Weekly activities included group workouts, yoga, and gentle movements aimed at managing pain and enhancing daily mobility. The programme emphasised sustainable activity, encouraging participants to weave movement into routine tasks to build consistency.
Sleep
Mindful bedtime routines and sleep hygiene formed a key component, with emphasis on how adequate rest supports energy, mood, and cognitive focus. The sessions also discussed the role of “cheshta” (deliberate, purposeful effort) in cultivating better sleep and recovery.
Stress
Mental well-being was nurtured through mindfulness practices, satsang, and peer support. The aim was to create a compassionate community where participants could share experiences and strategies for managing stress and emotional health.
The delivery team comprised GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and nutritionists, who facilitated in-person, culturally sensitive education for 41 participants aged 34 to 61. The programme’s structure reflected a commitment to accessibility, relevance, and evidence-based guidance.
Faith as a Foundation for Health
Spirituality occupied a central place in the health journey. The programme explored how faith and Satsang can bolster well-being, including practices such as reciting shlokas before meals to promote mindful eating, and adhering to spiritual disciplines (niyam dharma). Small, consistent habit changes, inspired by the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj, were framed as achievable steps toward healthier living.
Measured Impact: What Changed
Pre- and post-programme assessments highlighted meaningful improvements across health domains. Physical health indicators showed reductions in cholesterol, HbA1C (blood glucose), weight, waist circumference, body fat, blood pressure, and resting heart rate. Mental well-being improved, with participants reporting increased openness about emotional health and fewer depressive symptoms. Lifestyle habits shifted toward healthier eating, improved hydration, and higher levels of physical activity, accompanied by gains in strength, flexibility, and balance. Finally, participants noted stronger community connections and peer support, reinforcing sustained behavior change.
Participant Reflections: Voices from the Community
Feedback underscored the programme’s cultural relevance and transformative impact. One participant, Nimisha Patel, contrasted BAPS wellNESS with other programmes, noting that the cultural alignment and sense of community made consistent adherence possible. “I’ve found a community that I didn’t know I was missing,” she said, highlighting benefits to spiritual, physical, and mental health. Others with chronic conditions described tangible improvements—such as daily yoga aiding balance or motivation to initiate sooner health interventions. Many expressed appreciation for the compassionate, practical approach and recommended the programme to family and friends.
Looking Ahead: Scale and Sustainability
The pilot demonstrated the potency of a community-driven, culturally sensitive approach to long-term health. With early success as a blueprint, BAPS Charities plans to expand the wellNESS programme to additional mandirs and communities, aiming to inspire healthier, more balanced lives through a fusion of evidence-based education and spiritual support. The initiative reflects a growing recognition that wellness is holistic, embracing body, mind, and social connection in harmony with cultural values.
Conclusion: A Model for Inclusive Health
The Holistic 12-Week BAPS wellNESS Programme in the UK showcases how community, faith, and science can converge to reduce health disparities and improve quality of life. By empowering participants with practical tools, supportive networks, and a culturally resonant framework, the programme offers a scalable model for holistic health that other communities can adapt and adopt.
