1 in 4 will experience a mental health problem every year. Yet, it is still something people are worried to talk about or ask for help. This must change and physical activity can play a massive part.
It has been 10 years since the Sport and Recreation Alliance, Mind and the Professional Players Federation launched the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation. We have been looking back at how this kick-started a conversation across the sector and helped break down mental health stigma. From investing in mental health education and dedicated mental health support, to encouraging athletes, staff and spectators to speak out and reach out for support, to using physical activity as a tool to help people live well and stay well. Share your highlights with us at the Linkedin page #SportMinds.
“We have seen astonishing progress in the way mental health is talked about and prioritised in the sport and physical activity sector and we know over the past 10 years, many of our members at the Sport and Recreation Alliance have developed important wellbeing initiatives both alongside and independent of the Mental Health Charter, from Parkour UK to England Athletics. The Alliance is incredibly proud to have worked with Mind and the Professional Players Federation since 2015 to establish and develop the Charter, and all it has help achieve.” Lisa Wainwright MBE , CEO Sport and Recreation Alliance.
"The 2015 Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation started an important shift towards more joined-up mental health support, and driving cultural change within the sport and physical activity sector. The open discussions of athletes like Simone Biles, Ben Stokes, and Adam Peaty have been instrumental in helping to break down stigma. While Mind delivers vital training and advocacy through our partnership with Sport England and The National Lottery, the true transformation is driven by our sector partners and their dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive space where people can maintain their mental wellbeing." - Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO Mind
“The progress on mental health and wellbeing in elite sport over the last ten years has been amazing. It has been a real team effort to normalise conversations around mental health and provide world class support systems for players needing help. The PPF and all our members are proud to have helped establish the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation back in 2015.” – Simon Taylor, CEO Professional Players Federation
We know that being physically active can help mental wellbeing. That's why the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the Professional Players Federation and Mind created the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation.
Since the Charter launched in March 2015, over 470 organisations signed up and committed to its vision: to embed mental health within sport and recreation to create a culture shift that removes the stigma around mental health.
To celebrate the Charter’s seventh anniversary in 2022, we launched the report Seven years of changing culture. The report reviews the impact of the Charter over the last seven years, and highlights the expanding mental health support available to sport and recreation organisations.
Find out more and get the latest updates on the #SportMinds LinkedIn page
Training and Resources
The Charter has been instrumental in advancing mental health in the sport and recreation sector. On the back of the Charter, there is abundance of mental health support and resources to help organisations. This includes, but is not limited to:
Case Studies
We want to share what positive action our signatories are taking around mental health so we asked them to let us post some case studies:
Professional Cricketers' Association
Tyne Metropolitan College - Safe, Fit & Well
England Athletics - RunAndTalk
ukactive and The Mix - Charity of the Year
Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind & British Canoeing - Get Set To Go Canoeing
England Golf – Golf: game for all
English Karate Council – Bob’s story
Karate Union Great Britain – World Mental Health Day
Table Tennis England – What we’ve done so far
Time to Talk Wales – We wear the same shirt
Rounders England - How does rounders help mental wellbeing
StreetGames - Safe, Fit & Well
Small Heath Boxing Club: Mind Fit Campaign
Karate Union of Great Britain: Chelmsford Karate Club
Start Again Project: Healthy Lifestyles programme
Accessible Tennis Community Interest Company: Tennis Recovery Group
In addition, Charter signatories showcased some of the great work that has taken place under the Charter banner. You can read their case studies here.
World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association: Your Cue to Talk
Rugby Players Association: Lift the Weight
Professional Cricketers Association: Mind Matters
Parkour: Freerunning for Mental Health
British Canoeing: Get Set to Go
Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!
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