Sport NI is driven to develop a sustainable culture in the sporting system that supports the whole athlete and is committed to building cultural and well-being capacity within sporting organisations. There is a clear need for information about mental health and wellbeing which is essential within the context of Northern Ireland’s high suicide rates and levels of mental health illness and disorders.
With mental health and well-being, a prominent theme within sports culture, it is essential that Sport NI’s partner organisations are educated and provided with current best practices in the area. To meet the demand for mental health support Sport NI has adopted a partnership approach of working with the experts in the area to include the Public Health Agency (PHA).
Through collaboration with the PHA, the Mental Health & Wellbeing support page has been redeveloped to include educational mental health resources, video content, training opportunities and further support contacts. Sport NI will signpost the sports sector through this Mental Health Support page to appropriate upcoming PHA messaging and campaigns.
Sport NI has also launched a new online Mental Health and Wellbeing awareness course for the sports sector. Mental Health and Wellbeing (sportlearningni.com)
The course is available through Sport NI’s Digital Learning Hub and provides sporting clubs and organisations with an introduction to mental health and wellbeing, the signs and symptoms to look out for and how to support yourself and those around you. The introductory course connects participants to a wide range of mental health resources and services in their local Trust areas via the Public Health Agency.
The online module is a light and interactive introduction to mental health and wellbeing, providing individuals with a foundation on which to develop knowledge, understanding and awareness of mental health within sport. The course can be completed at an individual’s own pace and will provide certification and badge upon completion and is FREE! This course is aimed at 18+ who have an affiliation with a local sports club, parent, member, coach, board and club community.
Sport NI’s Digital Learning Hub also includes a mental health course designed specifically for sports officials – Positive Mental Health & Officiating.
With officiating being one of the toughest jobs in sport, the course helps those who take on this responsibility to understand mental health, it’s impact and focus on the positive aspects of officiating.
To find out more, visit: Catalog (sportlearningni.com)
For further support, visit: Mental Health Support | Sport NI
