The Charter sets out how sport can use its collective power to tackle the stigma that surrounds mental health.
Since the launch more than 150 organisations within the sports sector have pledged their support to promote good mental health and mental health practices. A large number of the UK's sport and recreation governing bodies, including The Football Association, Lawn Tennis Association, Rugby Football Union, English Cricket Board, The Fitness League and Gymnastics UK have already signed-up, as well as all the professional player associations including the Professional Footballers Association, Rugby Players Association and Professional Cricket Association.
Today we are launching a tool kit to help signatories to fulfil their pledges. The toolkit contains an action plan template to help organisations to build mental health support and policies into their organisational plans. It will also include links to helpful resources around promoting good mental health and an interactive online community for signatories, which will provide a collaborative space for the sharing of ideas and networking around mental health.
Emma Boggis, Chief Executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, said: “Every year one-in-four people experience mental health problems. Sport has such a powerful position in our society that I believe we have a responsibility to help to break down the stigma around mental health. The new Mental Health Charter resources will allow the signatories to continue their work and increase awareness in this area and I hope to encourage other organisations to sign up too, so that collectively we can make a difference.”
Brendon Batson OBE Chairman of the PPF said: “There has been an incredible level of support from sport for the Mental Health Charter. It is now time for us all to turn these good intentions into positive actions. We need to ensure that the Charter makes a real and lasting difference to our sports and our communities.”
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind says: “People with mental health problems tell us they have faced stigma and discrimination across many aspects of life; including work, healthcare and even from friends and family which can prevent them from getting help.
“Sport has the power to encourage positive debate, as well as challenge myths and clichés about mental health, to help tackle stigma. Many people who take the first step by getting in touch with organisations like Mind do so as a result of initiatives like the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation, so we are delighted to support the Sport and Recreation Alliance and PPF in their efforts.”
To access the resources please visit - http://www.sportandrecreation.org.uk/mental-health-charter/resources
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