Mental Health Training in Berkshire
Berkshire RFU have taken a lead initiative in arranging mental health awareness training for clubs, (coaches, staff, volunteers, players etc). This has been well received and will continue to be proactive in support wellbeing amongst the the county’s’ rugby community. Our chosen partner is Berkshire based https://www.supportinmind.com/
For more details or questions about the next available course(s) please contact Jason at Email : support@supportinmind.com
What you need to know about mental health & wellbeing
It is estimated that one in four people will experience a mental health illness each year in the UK. For these people, the pressures and strains of life and work can act as a catalyst to mental health problems, with the most common being depression and anxiety. #itsoknottobeok
The links between good physical health and mental health are well recognised. Physical activity such as playing rugby can be very beneficial for mental health and wellbeing as well as bringing physical benefits.
COVID 19
Lots of us have felt worried about the coronavirus pandemic, and everyone will feel differently about the changes to lockdown restrictions.
Checking in on your team/clubmates, family, friends or colleagues during the coronavirus pandemic is more important than ever.
TOP THREE TIPS
If someone’s feeling anxious or worried, you don’t need to be an expert on mental health to support them. Think about using these top three tips:
1) Check in
Picking up the phone, send a quick text (WA), having a video call, starting a group chat or messaging someone on social media lets them know you are there to talk and ready to listen.
2) Listen and reflect
Whether you have a mental health problem or not, this will be a challenging time for all of our mental health and wellbeing. If someone opens up to you, remember that you don’t need to fix things or offer advice. Often just listening, and showing you take them seriously, can help someone to manage.
3) Ask questions
Ask how people are managing, and ask again if you’re worried they aren’t sharing the full picture. Asking again, with interest, it can help someone to open up and explore what they’re feeling.
If you are in need of mental health advice and information below you will find a multitude of organisations that can help you based upon your needs.
Mind – For Better Mental Health
When someone is experiencing a mental health problem, supportive and reliable information can change his or her life. Mind, one of the leading mental health charities in England and Wales, provides information and guidance for anyone involved in rugby who may be dealing with mental health problems and those supporting them.
Mind’s Infoline offers callers confidential help and information:
Tel: 0300 123 3393
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Mind’s Information and Support section provides information on the services and resources they offer
Mind offer Urgent Help Advice for anyone needing it.
Mind provide support for coaches and physical activity providers including a Sport and physical activity toolkit
There is a network of around 130 local Minds across England and Wales that offer specialised support and care based on the needs of the communities they support.
How clubs and coaches can support someone with mental health problems.
To help prevent problems developing, clubs and coaches can play a key role in promoting good mental health and wellbeing.
1. UK Coaching mental health infographics – part 1 and part 2
This video, produced by Mind, UK Coaching and Public Health England provides guidance on how coaches can promote good mental health through their coaching. has some useful information on the role coaches play in supporting others, emotionally as well as physically. It highlights the impact that this can have on a coach’s own mental health and provides guidance on how coaches can understand and maintain their own mental health.
Watch: Promoting good mental health through your coaching.
UK Coaching’s Mental Health in Coaching Guidance.
Time to Change
The support of a coach, team mates and others can play an important role in supporting someone who has mental health problems.
Time to Change aims to promote awareness and improve the perception of dealing with mental health illnesses. There is a wealth of information and a number of useful resources including the
IMPORTANT NOTE
While people may have the best intentions, coaches and others should not give counselling and support which they are not qualified to offer.
It is important that the support is appropriate and crucial that professional help is sought if needed.
Individuals should be directed to seek advice from the most appropriate and relevant support services incl. NHS 111 or their GP if they are struggling, and families can approach their children’s schools if they are concerned about their child.
