On World Mental Health Day, leading sporting organisations from across the UK have penned an open letter to the leaders of all political parties, sounding the alarm on the intensifying mental health crisis among young people.
Federations, event providers and campaigning groups are asking political leaders to ‘unlock the power of sport’ to play a significant role in supporting the physical and mental well-being of the nation, starting with our children.
As the letter states;
The letter also emphasises: "A lifetime of activity, leading to a happier, healthier population needs to start and be embedded throughout our school years."
It ends with a potent call to action: "We’re calling on all party leaders to put physical and health literacy at the heart of the future school curriculum, giving all children and young people access to high-quality PE, co-curricular activity, and community provision."
The letter is jointly signed by England Athletics, Welsh Athletics, Scottish Athletics, Athletics NI, Youth Sport Trust, Sport and Recreation Alliance, Run 4 Wales, London Marathon Events, The Great Run Company, The Daily Mile and parkrun.
The signatories are urging politicians to respond and actively integrate sports and physical activity into the nation's mental health and education strategies to provide a long-term solution to this growing crisis.
Exploring how a traditional South Asian sport is building community, fostering inclusion, and shaping a more diverse and representative sporting landscape across the United Kingdom.
Read moreEach year on 12 August, International Youth Day shines a spotlight on the vital contributions young people make in building a better, more inclusive world. The 2025 theme, “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnerships”, underscores the creativity, leadership, and collaborative spirit that young people bring to addressing global challenges.
Read moreThe Sport and Recreation Alliance has today published its new five-year strategy, titled ‘A United Voice for Sport and Recreation’.
Read moreJoining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!
Register now