Time in Mind: Learning from practices in mental health support for young people in community sports groups

28th August 2024 | Lizzie Homer | Expert guidance, Mental health

This report summarises findings from Sported’s project that explored how community sports groups can support the mental health of young people. The project, run by Sported, involved 23 pilot projects across the UK, focusing on various sports and physical activities. These projects provided safe spaces for young people to engage with peers and trusted adults, fostering mental well-being.

Key findings include:

Positive Outcomes: The projects led to increased confidence, resilience, and self-awareness among young people. They also improved group leaders’ understanding of mental health support.
Effective Practices: The report suggests that both implicit and explicit forms of mental health support can be effective. Implicit support involves creating a trusted space for activities, while explicit support involves direct discussions about mental health.
Tailored Approaches: Success was linked to the ability of groups to adapt to the specific needs of their communities, often informed by regular feedback from participants and their families.
Small Group Benefits: Activities conducted in small groups or one-on-one settings were particularly effective, allowing for better interaction and support.
Youth Empowerment: Involving young people in leadership roles or as mental health champions was empowering and increased their confidence.
Collaborations: The involvement of third-party mental health professionals provided valuable expertise and new perspectives.
Community-Centered Language: Using language and approaches that resonate with the participants’ lived experiences was crucial for accessibility and effectiveness.
Patience in Engagement: Building trust and encouraging young people to discuss mental health took time, highlighting the need for long-term support.

The report concludes with recommendations for developing a model of good practice based on these findings to inform future community mental health support initiatives.

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