It’s Time to Talk about mental health, now more than ever

Time to Talk ()

At times like this, checking in on your family, friends or colleagues has never been so important.

Many of us are struggling to deal with the effects of the pandemic, with nationwide restrictions placing a huge strain on our mental wellbeing and our ability to spend time with loved ones.

This year, Time to Talk Day comes in the wake of concerning new findings which show almost half (49%) of adults are experiencing worse mental health due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Sport and Recreation Alliance is once again proud to be supporting the annual campaign which aims to end the isolation and shame that too many of us with mental health problems are made to feel.

The focus of the 2021 campaign is on the power of small, because however you have a conversation about mental health – whether it’s a virtual training session with your teammates, a quick text to a friend, or a socially distanced run with a family member – it has the power to make a big difference.

The Alliance will be conducting virtual internal staff sessions throughout the day to discuss mental health and how to support those who might be struggling when in the workplace.

Recognising the benefit physical activity can have on a person’s mental health, we will also be encouraging all staff to take a break from their work and carry out an activity that is relaxing to them.

We may all be apart but there is still so much we can do to give everyone the best chance of staying mentally and physically well at such a challenging time – so please join us, and many others in the sector in making time to talk to those around you today.

Download your Time to Talk Day resources, materials and activity packs from Time to Change.

Externally, the Alliance continues to ask its members and the wider sector to support the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation which was launched in March 2015 with Mind and the Professional Players Federation. The Charter works with nearly 450 organisations to promote mental wellbeing through sport and physical activity.

Learn more about The Charter and how to sign-up today.