England Netball has been supporting Children’s Mental Health Week by making activities and resources available during lockdown.
The week-long campaign, created by the charity Place2Be, ran from February 1-7 with the aim of highlighting the importance of mental wellbeing, and teaching young people how to deal with setbacks.
Netball’s governing body in England has supported this initiative through sharing practical resources to promote the role of physical activity and the positive impact it has on mental health.
POSITIVE
The role of physical activity and sport will be crucial in the nation’s recovery from Covid-19 this year, with an estimated 500,000 young people needing support for mental health issues since the pandemic began.
A survey of England Netball members found that 94% of respondents agreed being involved in netball has made a positive difference to their mood and outlook.
To support the week, England Netball provided a range of creative resources to encourage both children and adults to share and express their feelings, thoughts and ideas. One of their programmes ‘Bee Netball’ includes fun challenges about friendship, fair play and inclusion to support child development.
Fran Connolly, the CEO of England Netball, said: “We’re proud to support Children’s Mental Health Week.
WELLBEING
“It’s been a challenging year full of change and uncertainty, and research from the Youth Sport Trust shows the impact that this has had on young people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
“Supporting children through sport, including tailored programmes such as Bee Netball, can help them feel happier and healthier both physically and emotionally.
“We will continue to be here for the netball family throughout the year and look forward to being back out on court together.”
