The Sport for Development Coalition has responded to a call for evidence on the Government's new Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan.
The call was issued by the Department of Health and Social Care in April after the Government committed to developing a new 10-year plan for mental health and wellbeing across England.
The Coalition's response has been overseen by its Sport, Mental Health and Wellbeing Steering Group, and responds directly to six chapters in the DHSC discussion paper which are:
- how can we all promote positive mental wellbeing? (chapter 1)
- how can we all prevent the onset of mental ill-health? (chapter 2)
- how can we all intervene earlier when people need support with their mental health? (chapter 3)
- how can we improve the quality and effectiveness of treatment for mental health conditions? (chapter 4)
- how can we all support people living with mental health conditions to live well? (chapter 5)
- how can we all improve support for people in crisis? (chapter 6)
The Sport, Mental Health and Wellbeing Steering Group comprises 15 members of the Coalition network that have experience and knowledge in using sport as a tool to create mental health and wellbeing outcomes. It is co-chaired by Andy Smith, Professor of Sport and Physical Activity at Edge Hill University, and Programme Leader for the MSc Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health.
Andy said: "The Steering Group over-arches and drives collective action across the Coalition aimed at progressing evidence-based recommendations for future policy and practice to protect and enhance the contribution of sport and physical activity to mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
"This response highlights research and evidence, and insight from experts by experience, supporting the role of sport and physical activity in promoting positive mental wellbeing and preventing mental ill health. It also outlines the role of sport and physical activity in improving the effectiveness of treatment and supporting people with mental health conditions to live well."
Improved health and wellbeing is a core strand of the #OpenGoal framework, which has been co-designed by Coalition members and aims to showcase the contribution of sport to building a fairer, more equitable and sustainable future.
Read the Coalition's response here.
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