Vale of Glamorgan Council supports sports club courses on mental health
THE Vale of Glamorgan Council has been helping sports and physical activity clubs from the County learn about the positive impact exercise can have on mental health
Mental health awareness education courses run by charity Mind were held in Barry, Penarth and Llantwit Major, with a total of 46 people taking part.
A list of mental health friendly clubs and organisations has been drawn up from the list of those that attended and will be shared among local mental health charities.
It includes Barry Leisure Centre, Barry Netball Club, Barry Town Utd, Barry YMCA, Breeze Ride Cycle Leaders, Celyn Archers (Cardiff), Forces Fitness, Llantwit Major Bowls Club, Llantwit Major Leisure Centre, Llantwit Major Tennis Club, Love Life Live Fitness, Michelle Grant Personal Training, Old Penarthians Rugby Club, Red Dragons Netball Club, Rhoose Lifesaving Club, Sully Indoor Bowls Club, Swimability Lessons Barry, The Saints Football Club, Vale GP Referrals, Vale Play Development Department and Vale Surf Living Saving Club.
Each person on the courses received a wrist band and pin badge, which can be worn during a sporting session to indicate they are happy to be approached about this subject.
Exercise can have a hugely positive effect on an individual’s mental health and is particularly beneficial to those suffering from stress, anxiety and depression.
This project aims to remove the stigma associated with mental health and make it easier for people with these types of issues to take part in physical activity and feel included in a sports club setting.
The Mental Health Awareness in the Vale logo will also be sent to everyone who attended the training so they can add it to their marketing material.
Another mental health awareness course for sport and physical activity instructors will be organised later in the year.
Cllr Gordon Kemp, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Social care, Health and Leisure, said: “Mental health issues can affect anyone and it’s important that they are discussed in as open a way as possible. I’m delighted that the Council can play a part in bringing such an important subject into the mainstream.
“Sport and physical exertion can have a strong positive impact on an individual’s wellbeing and I hope this course will make it that bit easier for people who struggle with mental health issues to become more active.”
Anyone wishing to participate in the next mental health awareness course should contact the Council’s Senior Healthy Living Officer Simon jones by emailing SLJones@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk