Mental health champions: a toolkit for the sport and physical activity sector
About the toolkit
With one in four of us experiencing a mental health problem each year, it’s a vital issue to address. But we know it can be hard to start the conversation with coaches and instructors. In fact, almost 70% of people with mental health problems told us they wouldn’t feel comfortable talking about their mental health in a sports setting.
This toolkit is for organisations, clubs and groups in the sport and physical activity sector that want to support the mental health of their members, participants, staff and volunteers. It introduces the idea of mental health champions, and provides guidance on establishing a mental health champions scheme.
Short on time or looking for something in particular?
Explore the toolkit by downloading the four key sections individually.
Section one: Setting up a mental health champions scheme
Section two: Workplace mental health champions
Section three: Community mental health champions
Section four: Support for you and your mental health champions
Tools and resources
Download our tools and editable resources to help you get started.
Annex A: Planning your champions scheme
Annex B: Mental health champions action plan template
Annex C: Template application form
Annex D: Template role descriptions
Annex D (part 2): Template role descriptions
Annex E: Setting and maintaining boundaries
Annex F: How to have conversations around mental health
Annex G: Signposting to support services
Annex H: Self-care
Annex I: Mental health calendar
Example: England Athletics mental health champions handbook
