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Resources

As part of our Sector Support programme, we provide a range of resources. These aim to help organisations to better support and engage people experiencing mental health problems in physical activity. These resources and toolkits cover topics such as establishing a mental health champions scheme and improving mental health at work for staff.

Mental Health and Physical Activity Toolkit

Our Mental Health and Physical Activity Toolkit aims to equip more sport, physical activity and mental health providers with the knowledge and skills to support and engage people experiencing mental health problems in physical activity.

The toolkit is made up of a variety of guides. Each one provides guidance, tools, templates and good practice case studies. These can help organisations provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for people experiencing mental health problems to be physically active.

Mental Health and Physical Activity Toolkit

Reports

We have developed several reports on the back of our physical activity projects and programmes. These reports include insight, learning and good practice examples that may be helpful to organisations and individuals who use sport and physical activity to support people’s mental health.

Physical Activity Impact Report 2018-2021

Get Set to Go Summary 2014-2017

Performance Matters: MH in Elite Sport (2015)

Mental health champions: a toolkit for the sport and physical activity sector

This resource is for organisations, clubs and groups in the sport and physical activity sector. It containts ways to support the mental health of members, participants, staff and volunteers. Included is the idea of mental health champions, and guidance on establishing a mental health champions scheme.

Explore the Champions toolkit

Thriving at Work: A guide for the sport and physical activity sector

Thriving at Work is an independent review that outlines what employers can do to better support all employees, including those with mental health problems, to remain in and thrive through work. We collaborated with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Sport and Recreation Alliance, and Sport England. The goal is to help employers across the sport and physical activity sector to understand and implement the Thriving at Work standards. You can access the guide for free.

Download our free resources

Returning to sport and physical activity after lockdown

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, sport and physical activity providers - such as clubs, groups and venues - plan for reopening. Some people may be excited about returning to work, sessions and facilities. But early evidence shows that many will be returning to play with poorer mental health due to coronavirus.

We've developed two handy guides. One helps individuals prepare for participation. The other equips the sport and physical activity sector with tools and information to support the mental health of staff, volunteers and participants.

Guidance for participants

Guidance for clubs and organisations

Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation

From elite sport through to grass-roots participation, sport can be used to reduce stigma and start positive conversations about mental health.

We've worked with the Sport and Recreation Alliance and the Professional Players Federation to create the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation. We've also developed resources and case studies to support signatories. A dedicated LinkedIn page can help you keep track of what is going on across the sector.

Join over 350 organisations and sign up today. Do this by making three pledges about how your organisation aims to break down the barriers surrounding mental health problems in sport.

More about the Mental Health Charter

Our newsletter

Each month, we send a monthly e-newsletter to update individuals from across the sport, physical activity and mental health sectors about a variety of topics. Our newsletters provide updates on our work, and share good practice from across the sector and opportunities for you to get involved with. To date, over 1,400 people have signed up to receive our newsletter.

Email [email protected] to sign up

eLearning: Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity +

Complete the course and you'll gain the confidence to be able to support people experiencing mental health problems. You could then help them to thrive both inside and outside of your sessions.

Find out more about the course

Support for coaches

Coaches play a key role in supporting people experiencing mental health problems to become active. That's why we've developed some handy videos to help support coaches on their journey to making their classes and training sessions more inclusive. We've teamed up with partners including UK Coaching, along with Mind ambassador Duke McKenzie MBE, to bring you some top tips.

More about support for coaches

Promoting good mental health through coaching - CARE Resources

The CARE acronym infographics and animation help you to promote good mental health through your coaching. Our CARE resources were co-created in 2016/17 with UK Coaching and Public Health England.

Explore the CARE infographics

Watch the CARE animation

Other ways to get involved

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