Sport in Mind

We are the UK's leading mental health sports charity and deliver physical activity (sport, walking, dance and movement, gardening and exercise sessions) projects in partnership with the amazing NHS in order to aid recovery, promote mental wellbeing, improve physical health, combat social isolation and empower people to move their lives forward in a positive direction.

We've seen firsthand the positive impact physical activity can have on people's mental health having supported the recovery of thousands of people each year (sporty people and people who say they've never previously liked sport). We believe there's a sport or physical activity out there for everyone and Sport in Mind's aim is to ensure every single person in the country has the opportunity to improve their mental health through a physical activity session they enjoy.

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How sport helps mental health

Taking part in sport or physical activity regularly really does have a positive impact on both our mental and physical health. Some of the many benefits include:

• Helps us to cope with the stresses of daily life more effectively
• Improves our physical health
• Helps us maintain a healthy weight
• Builds confidence and self-esteem
• Meet new people and make friends
• Improves concentration and sleeping patterns
• Give you a natural energy boost
• Reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Releases chemicals in your brain that makes you feel happy

Why attend a Sport in Mind session?

Fun, enjoyment, and meeting new people are the top reasons given by our participants, volunteers and coaches for coming to Sport in Mind sessions.

Perhaps you are returning to an activity you enjoyed previously or a chance to try a new activity which could become something you really like and want to develop.

Sport in Mind offer a wide range of activities to suit everyone, regardless of age, gender, mobility, ethnicity, or ability. 

Joining a team sport has many benefits, with mutual encouragement, recognition of improvements/achievements, comradery, good natured competition, friendships developed, chance to meet new people, learn new skills and improve play, or having a friendly non- competitive game with like-minded people.

It may be an activity like gardening, that calms and inspires you, gives you a better perspective and helps you notice the natural world and seasons/ wildlife. Or yoga that helps you control your breathing, improves your balance and stretching and can become a starting point for meditation if you so wish.

It may give a purpose to your week, a focus that you can look forward to and may help you develop a weekly routine.

If you are struggling with difficult thoughts, sport can be a welcome distraction (you can't think about things whilst playing table tennis!)

Your first session

Turning up at a session for the first time may seem like a big hurdle but you are absolutely guaranteed a friendly and understanding reception. Once you have made it a few times, you are likely to feel a great boost to your confidence knowing you have within you, the ability to try new things.

You can be yourself, everyone understands about mental health and wont judge and as you get to know people, they will offer peer support and their own perspectives.

Is the information correct?

Let us know if the information on this page is wrong and needs to be updated.

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