26 Sep 2019
Swim England and Mind launch campaign to promote mental health benefits of swimming
BY Tom Walker
A new campaign is promoting the benefits that swimming can offer to people struggling with mental health issues.
The Get Set to Go initiative – a partnership between national governing body Swim England and mental health charity Mind – will look to highlight the physical, social and mental benefits of swimming.
It will also focus on educating the swimming workforce and facility staff on mental health and use social media channels to share messages about how swimming can support positive mental health.
Swimming pools and leisure centres are being encouraged to work with Mind to gain further insights and expertise in the area of mental health, while a selection of fact sheets have been published to offer expert advice and support for people with a mental health problem who might be thinking about swimming.
Mind will also be providing a service to current and former athletes, as well as all members and volunteers involved with Swim England.
The campaign follows a recent YouGov report, commissioned by Swim England, which showed that almost half a million (492,000) British adults have reduced, or no longer take, medication for their mental health condition as a result of swimming.
"Everyone will be affected by poor mental health at some point in their lives," said Duane Newton, Swim England Health and wellbeing manager.
"People respond to these challenges in many different ways. Swimming is one of those activities that allows people to take part in the way that suits them.
"This might be taking some time to relax on your own, or train hard with friends. Swimming offers so many options that really can help everyone.
"We have always worked closely with Mind and are looking forward to increasing awareness of swimming and its mental health benefits to a wider audience."
Hayley Jarvis, Head of Physical Activity for Mind, added: "We know that physical activity can play a vital role in the lives of people with mental health problems.
"Unfortunately, we also know that many people who do want to be more active are being held back by their mental health, whether that’s feelings of low self-confidence, exhaustion or fear of crowded spaces.
"That is why we’re delighted to be partnering with Swim England to ensure more people with mental health problems feel welcomed and supported to get active.
"We also look forward to working alongside Swim England, Sport England and other partners in the sector to promote the benefits of swimming for people with mental health problems through the We Are Undefeatable campaign."
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