How Your Christmas Gifting Can Help Young Minds With Sport in Mind

Sport in Mind is the leading mental health sports charity in England and Wales. A spokesperson told That's Christmas 365: "Our mission is to transform the nation’s mental health through sport and our trailblazing work harnesses the power of sport to inspire, educate, and promote good mental health."

Since its formation back in 2010, Sport in Mind’s long-term partnership with the NHS has enabled them to transform the lives of in excess of 31,000 people who were struggling with mental health challenges. 

While research shows being active is clinically proven to improve mental health, sedentary living remains prevalent among children and adults with mental health problems caused by many issues (eg non-supportive environments, low levels of confidence and self-esteem, social anxiety, mental health challenges, etc).

Sport in Mind’s unique UK-based programmes are designed to combat these barriers and champion the benefits of physical activity to make sport accessible to all. 

They support, unite and transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable, disengaged members of society, creating vital sustained social impact.

In 2023/24 there were 3.8 million people being treated by the NHS mental health services, including one million children and young people

Sport in Mind's mission to transform the nation's mental health through sport and physical activity has never been more important.

They have also recently launched their Soles of the Season Appeal after finding that short winter days negatively impact mental health and wellbeing.

The research found that 55% of people say darker evenings negatively impact their mental health and 67% reported that shorter days reduce their motivation and ability to be physically active.

The winter fundraising campaign invites the public to “step up” for mental health by supporting the charity’s life-changing programmes to ensure people continue receiving vital support at the time they need it most.

Chief executive Neil Harris told That's Christmas 365: "Christmas can be a good amazing time for some people but for a lot of people it creates a lot of anxiety.

"A lot of people feel quite lonely and quite isolated so it's really important to reach out to people and connect with them."

How can you help? By visiting their shop https://www.sportinmind.org/shop and buying their wide range of clothing, including socks, drinking cups, journals and breathing cards.