Being involved with athletics and running, whether as a volunteer or participant can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing of a person. 

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According to the Department of Health, being active can reduce the risk of depression by up to 30%, boost your mood and improve self-esteem. In addition, it can help to reduce stress and help people think more clearly.  

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People may join the sport with good mental health, but overtime experience poor mental health.  If you are experiencing mental health and wellbeing problems or know of someone who is struggling, there are a variety of place to go for support.

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Available Support

Samaritans.  Provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide. You can phone, email, write a letter or in most cases talk to someone face to face. 

Mind infoline.  Mind provides confidential mental health information services. With support and understanding, Mind enables people to make informed choices. The infoline gives information on types of mental distress, where to get help, drug treatments, alternative therapies and advocacy. Mind has around 140 local Minds providing local mental health services. 

Rethink Mental Illness advice line.  Provides expert advice and information to people with mental health problems and those who care for them, as well as giving help to health professionals, employers and staff. Rethink also runs Rethink services and groups across England and Northern Ireland. 

Saneline.  Saneline is a national mental health helpline providing information and support to people with mental health problems and those who support them. 

The Mix.  The Mix provides judgement-free information and support to young people aged 13-25 on a range of issues including mental health problems. Young people can access the The Mix’s support via phone, email, peer to peer and counselling services. 

ChildLine.  ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen. You can contact a ChildLine counsellor for free about anything – no problem is too big or too small. 

Side by Side.  Side by Side is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. We all know what it’s like to struggle sometimes, and this is a safe place to listen, share and be heard. Our ‘Being active’ theme helps community members easily share and find content about being active, to motivate, inspire and support each other. 

Beat Eating Disorders. Provides support for people with eating orders. They also support family and friends, equipping them with essential skills and advice, so they can help their loved ones recover whilst also looking after their own mental health. 

Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline. Provides a helpline and support to help victims of domestic abuse.

 

Local Mental Heath Support 

1 in 4 people will currently be experiencing problems with their mental health. That means that even if you haven't experienced a mental health problem yourself, you almost certainly know many people who have.

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NHS Services

A new 24-hour crisis mental health phone line has launched across Essex by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT), and offers immediate and specialist support to adults experiencing mental health crisis. Anyone in need can dial 111 at any time and select the option for mental health crisis (option 2).

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Callers will be connected to trained staff at EPUT who can provide timely and appropriate support and advice.

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The service is for people aged 18 and over and aims to ensure those in need of support can access it quickly when they need it most.

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If you are experiencing a life threatening mental health emergency call 999 or visit your nearest A&E immediately.

Safeguarding

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Everyone in Athletics has a part to play in safeguarding children and adults at risk, England Athletics aims to create an environment where everyone involved in athletics and running feels safe and welcome to enable them to be the best they can be. To read the Club's Members Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policies and Procedures please click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page:

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Welfare covers a range of issues such as safeguarding and protecting children, anti bullying and poor practice in coaching. 

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If you think a child young person or adult is at risk of significant harm or requires urgent protection call police on 999 and or your local social services 

 

If the matter is not immediate  and or if you have any concerns about a club member not following our code of conduct  please contact your welfare officers Lorna Mess / Ben Whateley Harris

 

Other points of contact and support 

• Advice and support regarding Club and Athlete Compliance and Wellbeing matters: contact England Athletics via welfare@englandathletics.org or call 07464 522426. 

• Advice and support regarding Safeguarding/Child Protection concerns or UKA Licensed Coach/Official concerns can be obtained by contacting safeguarding@uka.org.uk or call 07785592860.

• Further information on abuse and neglect in relation to children is available from  NSPCC

• Ann Craft Trust is a national organisation providing information and advice about adult safeguarding. 

• Digital Club Support can be found via Club Hub.

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