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This week (12 -18 May) is Mental Health Awareness Week, spotlighting the theme of 'Community'. This focus underscores the profound impact that belonging and collective engagement have on our mental wellbeing.
Through sport and recreation, communities are not just formed, they thrive, offering individuals a sense of purpose, connection, and support.
Engaging in sport and physical activity is more than just a means to stay fit; it boosts our mental wellbeing. During times of stress or loneliness, it’s often local sports clubs, community recreation centres, and exercise groups that provide essential support. The shared experiences and support networks created through these settings are invaluable for mental health.
In this article, we spotlight the impactful work of Alliance members Sport in Mind and the British Horseracing Authority, as well as the charity Racing Welfare, demonstrating how sport can bring people together, foster community, and create lasting change for mental wellbeing.
Sport in Mind
A shining example of leveraging sport for mental wellbeing is Sport in Mind, the leading mental health sports charity in England and Wales, who are committed to transforming mental wellbeing across the nation through the power of sport. The charity’s innovative programmes use physical activity as a tool to inspire individuals, raise awareness, and promote positive mental health outcomes.
Since its launch in 2010, Sport in Mind’s close partnership with the NHS has enabled it to support more than 31,000 people experiencing mental health challenges. Taking part in sport or physical activity regularly really does have a positive impact on both our mental and physical health.
Each week, Sport in Mind supports over 1,000 individuals, offering activities ranging from tennis and yoga to walking groups and art sessions. Their approach not only addresses physical health but also combats social isolation, empowering participants to rebuild confidence and forge meaningful connections.
Case Study: British Horseracing Authority and Racing Welfare
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is committed to promoting and supporting the mental health and wellbeing of everyone working in and involved with horseracing.
Horseracing can be an incredibly rewarding, fulfilling and enjoyable industry. Working with horses is often a way of life and this creates a strong sense of community. But, as in all areas of society, the people involved can face challenges, so the BHA recognises the importance of access to specialist help and advice, and the benefits provided by good support networks.
Every year, one in four people will experience a mental health problem. As an organisation, the BHA is proud of its team of mental health first aiders – a stable of volunteers who can listen, support, signpost and promote positive mental health in the workplace.
The organisation also offers BHA employees and their family members 24/7 access to its employee assistance programme, which provides wellbeing support for anyone who needs it.
The work of Racing Welfare
The British horseracing industry are extremely fortunate to have Racing Welfare – a charity that supports all of racing’s people, including stud, stable and racecourse staff, alongside those working in associated professions. The charity provides a wide range of advice and guidance services, including mental health support, all of which are completely confidential and non-judgmental.
Mental health services can be accessed via Racing’s Support Line, a 24-hour telephone and online support service delivered in partnership with Care First, which provides access to trained, BACP accredited counsellors for ‘in the moment’ support and if deemed clinically appropriate, counselling sessions within office hours.
Critical Incident Support is also available for any unexpected serious events in the workplace such as an accident or death, to help support those directly and indirectly involved. This provision crucially gives immediate telephone access to trained counsellors and includes the option for in-person support after 48 hours, if required.
In addition to its vital reactive services, Racing Welfare delivers a programme of mental health training for the industry as part of a proactive, preventative approach to creating healthy workplaces. The charity’s ambition is for every workplace to have at least one person who is a trained Mental Health First Aider, who can spot the signs of someone who may be experiencing poor mental health and to understand what they can do to help, in turn, strengthening the industry-wide mental health support network. To date, the programme has delivered mental health training to over 650 individuals within the industry. Courses are available to book on the Racing Welfare website or are available on request by workplaces.
Anyone working in the industry who needs mental health support can contact Racing Welfare 24/7, 365 days a year on 0800 6300 443.
Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation
A further example of the sport and recreation sector’s approach to mental wellbeing is Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation. Introduced in 2015 by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, in collaboration with Mind and the Professional Players Federation, the Charter outlines how sport and physical activity can be used to promote mental health awareness and support.
2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation. Over the past decade, the Charter has played a pivotal role in embedding mental health awareness and support within the sport and recreation sector. With over 470 organisations committed to its principles, the Charter has fostered a culture where mental wellbeing is prioritised alongside physical health. This milestone year offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in reducing stigma, promoting open conversations, and integrating mental health support across all levels of sport and recreation – find out more here.
The National Sector Partners Group (NSPG) has issued the following response to the Active Lives Adult Survey from Sport England.
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The Sport and Recreation Alliance were delighted to facilitate a Parliamentary launch for a new research report ‘The Social Value of Group Exercise’, commissioned by EMD UK, the national governing body for group exercise.
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The National Sector Partners Group* (NSPG) has issued the following statement in response to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement.
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Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!
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