Sport in Mind: cricket tournament raises awareness of mental health
Sport in Mind is the UK mental health sports charity that promotes mental well-being through sport. As part of its drive to raise awareness of mental health and provide people experiencing mental health conditions the opportunity to engage in physical activity, Sport in Mind, in partnership with Performance Cricket, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) organised their South Region Cricket Tournament on 19 August at Windsor Cricket Club.
Teams from Berkshire and Buckinghamshire NHS trusts took to the field at Windsor CC with the stunning backdrop of Windsor Castle. The event, now in its sixth year has engaged over 300 people experiencing mental health conditions, and was played in a fun, yet competitive manner with a high standard of play from all teams.
The event was won overall by Slough who played some fantastic cricket, beating Newbury by just one run to claim the trophy.
The tournament was organised by Annie and Chris Ellison, from Performance Cricket, and charity Sport in Mind.
Sport in Mind founder, Neil Harris, who attended the event, said:
“We are thrilled at the success of the tournament yet again this year and we’d like to thank everyone who took part as they were the ones that made the day so special. The event has helped us to raise awareness of mental health and has been a fantastic example of how sport can have a positive impact on the lives of people experiencing mental health conditions”.
One of the players, Rob, agreed:
“Being involved in this event really helps build self-esteem, and gives everyone the chance to have fun and play sport in a supported environment.”
