Live Active Sport in partnership with sportscotland and the Gannochy Trust has launched a new Sport for Change Network in Perth City.
The network aims to tackle inequalities limiting local people accessing quality sport and physical activity opportunities, and network clubs in 2023 will develop projects that focus specifically on the theme of improving mental health.
Rationale for the network
The network is part of the national sportscotland Community Sport Hubs (CSH) network that brings sports clubs and community organisations together to improve the contribution sport and physical activity has within communities across Scotland, but has moved away from the typical community sport hub branding.
Gemma Simpson, Sport Development Officer for Live Active Leisure, commented:
“The rationale behind calling it a sport for change network is mainly because a lot of the CSHs in our area were founded on quite formal principles and we didn't want clubs to worry about being part of a formal CSH, as we know club volunteer time is precious. “
“Secondly, the network was never going to be just sports clubs, with the idea being that we would connect the clubs with other organisations from across Perth City who are also advocates for change – in this instance in the field of mental health – and so we felt that 'Sport for Change Network' was the best fit.”
Supporting mental health
Poor mental health is an important public health challenge and significant mental health inequalities exist in Scotland. Improving the mental health and wellbeing of the population is a national priority as this is recognised as having a positive effect on many different aspects of society.
Gemma said:
“Participation in regular physical activity has been proven to improve self-esteem and reduce stress and anxiety."
"Sports clubs are therefore vitally important to help raise awareness, tackle mental health stigmas, and support members going through tough times.”
“Throughout 2023, our network clubs will be supported with training opportunities, resources, sharing of knowledge and funding from the Gannochy Trust to start, continue or develop projects that will support mental health awareness and wellbeing initiatives.”
Ashleigh Kesson from Perth Phoenix Allstars Cheerleading, one of the networks’ clubs, highlighted:
“This is honestly the best group I have been part of since starting our club. It’s been great getting to meet others who run clubs in the area and even the general sharing of ideas has helped us develop our club. The funding we received has impacted many in our club and local area, and we could not have moved things as far forward as we have without this network.”
“With the way things are with mental health for so many now, sport is definitely a key factor in supporting others and making it more manageable. Without the Sport for Change Network, I don’t think we would be as informed as we are now.”
SAMH Mental Health Charter
One of the actions of network clubs was to sign up to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport, through the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).
Gemma said:
“Being a Charter signatory shows commitment to improving equality and reducing discrimination for anyone with a mental health problem. Signatories receive access to free training courses and resources that can be used as part of their training sessions.”
Steph McLean, SAMH Achieving Active Lives Programme Manager, said:
“It’s excellent to see the Sport for Change Network launching in Perth, and we’re delighted that wellbeing is such a strong focus of the initiative.
"The benefits of physical activity and sport are vast, but time and time again we hear that it is the mental health impact that makes a real difference to people’s lives.
“Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport aims to facilitate this, by supporting clubs and organisations to create a safe, welcoming environment for all, and ensure that there are no barriers to taking part and achieving, whatever your goal.”
As well as moving forward with their individual projects, the network has aims to link with local partners and be part of existing wellbeing events, so that local people can try activities as well as find out about network clubs, partners and support services.
What's next?![]()
Up next for the Sport for Change Network is a collaboration with charity Trauma Healing Together who produce the Perth and Kinross Mental Health and Wellbeing Festival which takes place on the 19 and 20 of August at Perth Concert Hall. The theme for the event is 'Mental Health for All - Promoting Connection and Inclusivity' with a target to help local people of all ages and backgrounds who might be struggling with a mental health condition to get some tips on improving their wellbeing. Find out more below.
Find out more
- Learn more about the Sport for Change Network
- Find out more about the 'Mental Health for All - Promoting Connection and Inclusivity' event
- Find out more about the work of SAMH
- To be involved in the network, you can get in touch by emailing Logan and Gemma via sport@liveactive.co.uk.
