The British Basketball League (BBL) has become the first national professional sports organisation in the UK to launch a wellbeing hub for its community.
BBL Inspires is the first step in a series of initiatives, planned by the BBL to improve welfare provision ahead of the 2021/2022 season, which are being spearheaded by former Great Britain captain Kieron Achara.
The BBL Community Wellness Hub was developed during the Covid-19 pandemic in response to the impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of communities. It uses videos of people sharing their life experiences of issues such as depression and racism to signpost organisations and resources that offer help.
The platform has now launched with the help of players including Tayo Ogedengbe, Drew Lasker, Darien Nelson-Henry and Mike Tuck. These individuals as well as club officials have contributed their own video clips to the platform, sharing their personal experiences.
The free-to-use online hub highlights information and organisations where the basketball community can go to get help. Users can search for information about mental and physical wellness, diversity, equality and inclusion, and personal development and financial management. They can also look for community programmes and volunteering opportunities with the sport in their area.
COMMUNITIES
Kieron Achara said: “The BBL family have always believed that our communities are the backbone of our league and I’m proud that we are working together to amplify the amazing local support services and resources available to ensure our communities are getting the help they need.”
Sir Rodney Walker, Chair of the BBL, said: “Our players and coaches do a huge amount of work in their local communities. We hope the BBL Community Wellness Hub will add another layer of support by linking our thousands of fans with advice and support around the challenges they face.”
