Ready, Set, Go… SAMH and sportscotland go for gold with Sir Chris Hoy
2nd August 2023
SAMH ambassador Sir Chris Hoy launches new phase of partnership to help more people enjoy the mental health benefits of being active
Sir Chris Hoy will today launch a ground-breaking four-year partnership between SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and sportscotland to help people feel the benefits of exercise to support their mental, social and physical health.
The partnership aims to boost opportunities for people with poor mental health to participate in sport and physical activity, supporting sporting communities to enhance their knowledge of mental health and to create inclusive, accessible environments.
Olympian and SAMH Ambassador Sir Chris Hoy was guest of honour at today’s launch, which comes on the eve of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, taking place across Scotland, and just a year ahead of the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2024, which will be hosted in Glasgow.
Sir Chris Hoy has supported SAMH, which this year celebrates its centenary, since 2009. He said: “Being active is a terrific way to help us stay both physically and mentally well. This partnership is about making sure we can all join in with sport and exercise, so everyone has the chance to feel those benefits. SAMH and sportscotland are already working together to make a difference, and this new, enhanced partnership aims to have a positive impact on even more people’s lives.”
This latest phase builds on the last three years of successful collaboration between the two organisations, which developed in-depth mental health and wellbeing programmes and upskilled 800 people working in the sporting system, including training over 400 Active Schools Coordinators. It will see the partnership extend into new areas, such as suicide prevention and joint campaigning work.
Both organisations are founding partners of the club and community arm of Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport, which encourages organisations from grassroots clubs to elite sporting bodies to ensure there is no barrier for anyone with a mental health problem to engage, participate and achieve in physical activity and sport.
Today’s launch was held at Huntershill Sports Hub in Bishopbriggs, home to the running and athletics club Springburn Harriers, who were one of the clubs that worked with SAMH and sportscotland to develop the charter.
Shirley-Anne Smith, a Senior Active Schools & Community Sport Coordinator, said: “As a manager, the training SAMH have provided has given me an excellent base and made me more aware of the importance of the mental wellbeing of my staff. It’s also supported us to hold true to the principles of being a person centred, inclusive and collaborative organisation. An Active Schools Coordinators recently reached out looking for help for one of their schools-based coaches and I was able to refer them back to the ‘Having Mental Health Conversations’ training and toolkit, which then gave them confidence in opening a conversation and practical ways to best support the coach.
“This partnership helps spread the message of the huge benefits that physical activity can have on an individual’s mental health. Making real and positive intentional changes through sport is so important.”
Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said: “We’re delighted to strengthen our partnership with sportscotland and build on our successes of the past three years. This comes at an exciting time for sport in Scotland, and we hope that people up and down the country will be inspired by major sporting events like the UCI Cycling World Championships, this summer and beyond.
“With next year’s World Athletics Indoor Championships also taking place in Glasgow, the home of the Springburn Harriers is the ideal venue to launch the next phase of our ground-breaking partnership. Being active can play a key role in helping us feel good, and empower us to socialise, achieve personal goals, and grow in confidence.”
Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive Officer of sportscotland said: “We know from experience and our work in communities across the country, the very positive and often life-changing impact that sport and physical activity can have on the health and wellbeing of those who take part.
“We want as many people as possible to enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity and our partnership with SAMH is a vital part of this work. By working together with our partners we will break down barriers, challenge stigma and create new participation opportunities.”
Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport aims to improve equality and reduce discrimination for anyone with a mental health problem. Sports communities, from local clubs to larger sporting bodies, can learn more about the charter here.
