Sport in Mind is an award winning mental health charity (unaffiliated to Mind and not part of the local Mind network) that was formed in Reading, Berkshire in 2010 with a simple mission:
"To improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems through sport and physical activity"
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 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 over 14,000 people (sporty people and people who say they've never 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.
Sport in Mind's innovative programmes are delivered in partnership with the NHS and are co-designed by people with personal experience of mental health problems and healthcare professionals. We deliver sessions to support the recovery of people living with mental health problems in the community and inpatient care as we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to take part in sport and physical activity irrespective of how unwell they are.
In addition to delivering physical activity programmes to benefit people with mental health problems, our charity is also passionate educating people about mental illness and the benefits of being physically active. Sadly, there are still many common misconceptions about mental illness in society today and we use the power of sport to bring people together to talk about mental health and help change attitudes.
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
We are looking for individuals who are kind, friendly, approachable, and able to engage our attendees in the activity in a way in which they gain the maximum benefit. As a Sport in Mind volunteer, your role is absolutely crucial in helping our session leaders to provide a fun, safe and welcoming environment for our participants. Our session-based volunteers are integral to the ongoing success of our sessions and without your kindness and willingness to give some of your time to our little charity - we would never be able to achieve the things we do! You don't need to have ever picked up a racket or kicked a ball to volunteer at one of our sessions. A basic understanding of the rules of whichever sport/activity you choose is desirable but not essential.
All our projects are:
- Free
- Can be accessed via self-referral and are open to anyone 17+ experiencing a mental health problem with no need to ‘prove’ their problem.
- Highley accessible being located to public transport; having all equipment provided etc.
- Open to any ability and no requirement to have previous experience
- Run by local qualified instructors
- Run every week in the same place at the same time
- Focus on fun over competition.
