The Sports Partnership Herefordshire & Worcestershire is delighted to launch the CALM Pledge, developed in partnership with the Worcestershire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
The abundance of research available suggests a link between physical activity and positive mental health, with benefits including a reduced risk of depression, boosting self-esteem and confidence, alleviating stress, providing a distraction from anxieties and much more. The new initiative provides a way for sports clubs and organisations across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to provide safe spaces for individuals with mental health needs.
We would like to thank the following organisations for being part of the pilot phase of the initiative – University of Worcester, Hereford Yoga Centre, Redpoint Climbing Centre, Mettabox Gym and Freedom Leisure Active Communities Worcester.
Chris Corke, Project Manager (Workforce) at the Sports Partnership Herefordshire & Worcestershire said, "We know that sport and physical activity can a have a positive impact upon people's mental health and we want to champion this.
Through the CALM Pledge we're reaching out to sports clubs and activity providers, offering the opportunity to showcase a commitment to a positive ethos around mental health and provide a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. We want to help establish a network of sports clubs, organisations and activity providers that can support us in demonstrating the importance of equality, inclusiveness and anti-stigma around mental health."
Already over 29 clubs and activty providers have expressed an interets in the scheme, one golf club has completed the pledge and 7 other organisations have committed to and are various stages of completing the process.
Further information around the scheme can be found at: https://www.sportspartnershiphw.co.uk/calm-pledge or you can contact Chris on c.corke@worc.ac.uk.
More information: CALM Pledge