The NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) has published a series of new website pages looking at some of the ways sport and activity can support young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

The new mental health and wellbeing pages aim to increase awareness, identify some of the barriers and benefits of participating in sport and help clubs to create a mentally healthy, safe environment.

The CPSU has also brought together a list of resources and specialist organisations that organisations can refer to when talking about mental health and wellbeing with young people.

The coronavirus pandemic and social distancing measures are currently placing additional pressures on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. They may be experiencing increased feelings of anxiety, low mood or loneliness and some will need additional support at this time. 

If your organisation or activity is keeping in touch with members virtually or taking part in remote coaching, you can start a conversation by signposting young people to specialist services. These might include:

Childline online coronavirus advice

Young Minds coronavirus and mental health pages

More information

Mental health and wellbeing in sport – CPSU topic page

COVID-19 and safeguarding in sport – CPSU news article 

Further resources

Childline 0800 1111 - free confidential advice and support for children and young people

Keeping children safe, depression, anxiety and mental health – NSPCC Learning 

Coronavirus and your wellbeing – Advice from mental health charity Mind 

Mind is one of 11 partners in the #21by21 campaign which aims to increase mental health awareness in sport and physical activity. The campaign partners have pledged to train 21,000 community sports coaches and volunteers in mental health first aid by 2021. To find out more visit 21by21.info.