'Remove stigma' Mental Health Charter for sport and recreation launched
The Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation has been launched by the government, with an aim to “remove stigma and prejudice around mental health.”
The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, is leading on the Charter which illustrates a shared desire among national governing bodies of sport associations to raise awareness of, and tackle issues around, mental health.
The Sport and Recreation Alliance joined a host of sport organisations, from the Rugby Football Union to the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Football Association, who will commit to remove the stigma and prejudice around mental health from the pitch to the playground.
Emma Boggis, Chief Executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance wants more people to understand the impact of physical activity on mental wellbeing:
“Evidence from our research report Game of Life outlined how exercise can be as effective as anti-depressants for those with mild clinical depression. This is one of those areas where sport and physical activity really can change lives but there's not enough awareness of it as a treatment or as a way of preventing people from falling into poor mental health in the first place.
“Too much of the association between sport and mental health is negative – like when a top athlete suffers problems. We want to re-frame that relationship so that people understand that sport is a positive place for conversations about mental health.”
The English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) recognises the importance that physical activity has on all our health and well-being. But our research shows that people with mental health issues are less engaged in sport and physical activity.
“Participation in physical activity and sport has been shown to be effective in reducing depression, anxiety, psychological distress and emotional disturbance. Low to moderate physical exercise can reduce anxiety and have both short and long-term beneficial effects on psychological health. Taking part in sport and spectating can have a positive impact on the wellbeing and happiness of young people. (ONS, 2014).”
The Lifestyle Report released by the EFDS in September 2013 revealed that people with mental health issues are less engaged in sport and physical activity. The research highlights some stark findings for people with mental health issues, who are much less likely to be engaged in sport compared to people with other impairments:
- Only 56% stated that they enjoyed the last time they played sport compared to 78% of people with other impairments.
- Only 46% see playing sport or being active as important compared to 69% of people with other impairments.
- Only 35% enjoyed PE at school compared to 51% of people with other impairments.
- Only 28% think of themselves as a sporty person compared to 52% of people with other impairments.
- The expense of sport is a significant barrier to participation for people with a mental health issue.
As well as the barriers to sporting participation, EFDS's research also determines a number of opportunities for policymakers and sports providers:
- Unlike people with other impairments who take part because it is fun, the main reason people with mental health issues take part in sport or physical activity is to improve their health.
- Taking part in sport and physical activity alone is much more common among people with mental health issues, who are twice as likely to take part alone (53%), compared to than other impairments (24%).
- People with mental health issues seek sport and physical activity opportunities which require minimal commitment- something which is flexible that focuses on fun and enjoyment that they can take part in alone.
Sport in Mind, an independent mental health charity founded in 2011, points out that one-in-four of us in the United Kingdom will be affected by a mental health problem. Despite this, there is still a tremendous amount of stigma attached to this type of illness. At Sport in Mind they use sport to assist people in their recovery from illness and raise awareness.
“For years it has been common knowledge that playing regular sport and exercise is beneficial to one's physical health. However, many people are still unaware that exercise can have a positive effect on peoples’ mental health. Extensive research into mental illness has shown us that individuals participating in regular sporting activities have reduced levels of anxiety, improvements in mood and increased self-esteem.”
Sport in Mind and Sport England has produced a promotional video. It shows people with mental health problems being active in sport and physical activity:
The Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation comes from a shared desire among national governing bodies of sport and players associations to raise awareness of, and tackle issues around, mental health.
Nick Clegg has hailed this as a “momentous day” for the nation’s mental health, where the power of sport will be harnessed to bring mental health out of the shadows and help put an end to people suffering in silence:
“For the very first time we’re standing together to help kick mental health discrimination out of sport, not just on the pitches but across the playgrounds, so that we can build a fairer society in which no one has to suffer in silence.”
