Don’t Carry Your Burden Alone – NSPCC Shows Support For World Mental Health Day
The NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit is calling on sports’ organisations across Northern Ireland to use World Mental Health Day (10 October) as an opportunity to raise understanding of mental health issues among their membership.
Mental illness affects nearly 12 per cent of the world’s population, and can affect anyone, at any age.xa0Recentxa0NSPCC research found that 10% of young people involved in sport had self-harmed.xa0Paul Stephenson, NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit said:xa0“Sports organisations are ideally placed to make a real difference for vulnerable young people. Sport gives thousands of children in Northern Ireland the opportunity to have fun and develop vital personal, social and physical skills.
“However, sports organisations, clubs and activity groups have a duty of care towards the welfare of every child who attends their activities.xa0 It is the responsibility of adults within a club to ensure that no young person feels they have to carry this burden alone. Often all a young person wants is to be able to talk to someone who will listen and respect them, making it so important that sports and activity providers nurture the development of a culture of respect.”
In support of World Mental Health Day, the Child Protection in Sport Unit recommends that sports organisations implement the following as part of their safeguarding policy:
1.xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0Encourage open discussions promoting mental health.
2.xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0Encourage clubs to have a culture of listening to young people and responding appropriately.
3.xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0Promote awareness of charities such as ChildLine 0800 111,xa0www.ChildLine.org.ukxa0and Lifeline 0808 808 8000
4.xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0Take proactive measures to ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding, and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities.
5.xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0Encourage coaches and club officials to attend suicide awareness training.
6.xa0xa0xa0xa0xa0Ensure suitable action is taken in the event of incidents or concerns indicating a child may be suffering from mental illness, or at risk of self-harm or suicide, and ensure support is available to the individual(s) who raise the concern.
If you are concerned that a young person is at risk of suicide or self-harm, don’t wait until you’re certain -xa0 contact the NSPCC helpline for advice and support onxa00808 800 5000, by emailingxa0[email protected]xa0 or textxa088858.
About the NSPCC:
The NSPCC is the UK’s leading children’s charity specialising in child protection. Our vision is to end cruelty to children in the UK and we make a difference for all children by standing up for their rights, listening to them, helping them when they need us and by making them safe.
The NSPCC runs projects and services across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands to help vulnerable children. They also provide ChildLine, the UK’s free, confidential 24-hour helpline and online service for children and young people and a helpline for adults who are worried about a child or want advice.
If you have concerns about a child or young person, you can call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000, text 88858 or visitwww.nspcc.org.uk]]>
