How we’re helping young people to get Active:2:Grow
13th July 2021
Active:2:Grow is a 50 week referral programme, delivered in partnership with Scottish Sports Future (SSF), which uses sport and physical activity to support young people aged 11 to 14 with their mental health and wellbeing. It aims to keep young people active and encourage them to make connections and build community with each other.
Here, SAMH’s India Stuttard, talks about how the programme is making a difference.
“We know how vital sports and physical activity are to mental health, especially for young people who’ve been stuck inside socially distancing during the pandemic.
“Being able to start delivery in May after so much delaying was so exciting because we finally got to see young people getting active again and meeting new people.
“Active:2:Grow currently delivers in three areas: Glasgow, Fife and North Ayrshire. We’re working in partnership with SSF, which is a great fit, because they use the power of sport and physical activity to engage with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and families in Scotland; empowering them to be confident, healthy, and happy.
“Every session is different because Active:2:Grow is person-centred, which means our sessional staff deliver sessions in consultation with our young people. Some sessions are an introduction to handball with a big match at the end, some are full of relay races and obstacle courses, all of them are super fun!
“We’ve been able to get all three areas up and running which is amazing and great to see how diverse our young people and their needs are.
“One of our young people was able to return to their skating club after coming to a few Active:2:Grow sessions. They said that taking part in Active:2:Grow made them feel confident enough to get back out there even though they were feeling anxious.
“Getting active and socialising in a safe, supported and secure environment can have a huge impact for young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Active:2:Grow aims to make that impact on all young people who are referred to us.”
If you would like to refer yourself or refer a young person please email Callum Reston at SSF callum@ssf.org.uk or India Stuttard at SAMH india.stuttard@samh.org.uk for more information and a referral form.
