Jockeys join forces to be in your corner
TOP jockeys have put their names to a campaign encouraging men to look out for their friends and support each other.
Champion jump jockey Richard Johnson and Aidan Coleman are backing the “in your corner” campaign, launched by mental health charity Time To Change. The initiative calls on people to step in if a friend is acting differently and highlights how simple acts of support can make a big difference.
“I know how important it is to be there for each other when things get tough,” said Richard.
“We notice if someone isn’t as chatty as usual and often use car journeys to pick each other up.”
LITTLE THINGS
HE added it is “often little things you notice” that makes them realise someone is “not at their strongest”.
“We all know that we’re 30 minutes away from another fall so we never get too big for our boots and we’re good at being there for each other,” he said.
“We might have a quiet word and say, ‘I was feeling like that last week, I know how you’re feeling’ and that can really help.”
Statistics show one in four people will have a mental health problem each year.
Research into elite athletes and
mental health shows depression can be connected to sportrelated factors, such as injuries, stress, performance failure and overtraining.
Aidan added he is supporting the campaign as everyone needs to do their bit “to change how people think about mental health”.
“It’s not about grand gestures, it’s just about being there,” he said.
“There will always be tough times for jockeys. It’s the nature of it; even if you’re doing well, 15% of your rides may be winners so that means 85% are losers.
“On the track we’re very, very competitive but we’re fair and in the weighing room there’s a great camaraderie and if you have a fall, there’s always someone there looking out for you.
“As sportspeople we have to be mentally tough but we’re all human and everyone is vulnerable to mental health problems.”
Charity director Sue Baker said she is “delighted” the pair are supporting the campaign.
“We want to encourage men to recognise that looking out for each other’s mental health is part of being a good mate,” she added.
“If a friend’s acting differently, step in, find out why and be there to support.”