Sir Chris Hoy supports new mental health initiative

Over 140 schools in South Lanarkshire will benefit from a new mental health initiative launched by Sir Chris Hoy.

One hundred and forty-eight schools in South Lanarkshire will have access to Active School coordinators that will be trained to exercise and manage mental health, as well as physical health, as part of a new partnership between SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and sportscotland.

The partnership aims to help the next generation of young people protect their mental health through physical activity and sport.

South Lanarkshire-based Active School Manager, Karen McInally said:“Further education, across the board, on mental health awareness is really important, especially where young people are concerned.

“With this training provided by SAMH, we will be better equipped to handle these situations with confidence and hopefully, make a difference to the lives of the young people of Scotland. ”

Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said: “We’re thrilled to announce this strategic partnership with sportscotland which we believe could be a major breakthrough in building the mental health and wellbeing capacities within sports and their organisations.”

The new partnership will see SAMH and sportscotland working together to deliver the aims of the Charter, as well as creating a learning and development programme for sportscotland staff, developing in-depth mental health and wellbeing programmes and exploring other opportunities for joint work.

Sir Chris Hoy said:“I’m proud to mark 10 years as a SAMH Ambassador by launching a new partnership that will help the next generation of young people have better mental health through physical activity.

“I’ve experienced some of the biggest highs in sporting history but there have been low points too. During those low moments it was cycling that gave me the strength to keep going.”