Power of the YPSP

Young People’s Sport Panel members Louis Gallagher and Molly Sands are encouraging fellow Perth and Kinross residents to stay active to help their mental wellbeing while restrictions remain in place across Scotland.

Louis and Molly, both from the Perth area, have been members of sportscotland’s Young People’s Sport Panel (YPSP) since November.

The panel is currently in its fifth two-year cycle and the 20-strong group have already started their work to help ensure the voice of young people is part of the sporting conversation across Scotland, in an initiative led by sportscotland and supported by Young Scot.

Crucial to the National Lottery funded programme is that young people are heard and have the opportunity to influence decision making and drive change across the sporting system.

During a challenging time for the sporting sector and people across the country, mental health has featured prominently in the panel’s early discussions.

The YPSP have supported the sportscotland Walk and Talk campaign which started last June with the goal of encouraging people to set a time for a walk and talk phone call with a friend, to help keep people active and connected.

With restrictions still impacting people across Scotland, it has been harder for everyone to make time for their own wellbeing.

But looking after your mental wellbeing is more important than ever. Staying physically active and building physical activity into a daily routine can have great results.

Physical activity is central to good mental health, and small changes – like a daily walk – can be transformational.

Louis is in sixth year at Perth Academy where he is also a cricket coach. He plays football for Scone Thistle and cricket for Perth Doo’cot Cricket Club.

He is encouraging people to find what works best for them and what they enjoy the most, even small amounts of gentle physical activity can be beneficial.

The 18-year-old said:“Physical activity is key to mental wellbeing.

“Keeping up a routine of walking and running has been really important to me during lockdown. It gets me out in the fresh air and gives me time to reset and get myself in a positive mindset.

“Keeping a regular routine is very important. Set yourself goals.

“Having a challenge, such as walking 10k a week, can keep you invested in staying active.”

Molly is in third year at Perth High School and at 15 is one of the youngest panel members. She plays hockey for Perthshire Hockey Club and swims for Fife Synchronised Swimming Club.

Molly added:“Building regular physical activity into your everyday routine has many positive effects on your mental wellbeing.

“It releases endorphins, which decrease stress and improve your overall mood. Regular exercise increases your self-esteem and confidence. Staying active is hugely beneficial for everyone, especially during these challenging times.”