More than 700 clubs and groups sign mental health charter
MORE than 700 sporting clubs and community organisations have committed to embedding positive mental health and wellbeing practices, helping to make sport and physical activity more inclusive and mentally healthy.
Think Nature Health Walks, a network of walking groups throughout rural Highland, has become the 700th signatory to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport, which is managed and delivered by
Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).
The milestone coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday, with the theme of moving more to support our mental health.
SAMH says that any kind of activity can help boost our mood, and everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits of being active.
The charter aims to improve equality and reduce discrimination by ensuring mental health problems are not a barrier to engaging, participating and achieving in sport and physical activity.
Through a SAMH toolkit and online resources, the charter supports anyone involved in physical activity and sport, from grassroots to elite level, to talk about mental health and wellbeing and to know where to go to get help.
SAMH chief executive Billy Watson said: “Achieving 700 signatories is a tremendous milestone. That’s 700 clubs and organisations across Scotland taking action to support people’s mental health and wellbeing, using the collective power of physical activity and sport to create positive lasting change.”
Isabel McLeish, health walk co-ordinator at Think Nature Health Walks, said: “Walking in your local green space is a great way to support your health and wellbeing.
“People joining our walks share how important the walking groups are for helping to get out and about more, developing connections with others, and reducing social isolation.”