Latest news with #UKCoaching
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Ceredigion County Council new Chair elected for 2025-26
Initiative aims to tackle stigma and improve wellbeing across grassroots sport FOOTBALL clubs across Wales are being offered access to mental health awareness training as part of a nationwide drive to support players, coaches, and local communities. The initiative, backed by Mind Cymru, UK Coaching, and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), will provide around 1,000 e-learning course places to clubs. The training will equip coaches with the knowledge and confidence to better understand and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The announcement coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12–18), and follows the recent publication of the Welsh Government's Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Strategy and Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The course aims to break down stigma, address risk factors, and promote a positive sporting environment where mental wellbeing is prioritised. While the immediate focus is on raising awareness, Sport Wales is also developing a long-term preventative approach for the wider sporting sector. A launch event was held on Thursday (May 15) at Barry Town United FC, attended by former Wales goalkeeper and FAW ambassador Neville Southall, Sports Minister Jack Sargeant MS, and Barry Town Club Secretary David Cole. For Minister Sargeant, the campaign carries deep personal significance. He entered politics in the wake of his father Carl Sargeant's death by suicide in 2017, and in 2022, lost his best friend Jamie Wynne – a fellow football enthusiast – in similar circumstances. Speaking at the launch, he said: 'It means so much to me to help kick this programme off during Mental Health Awareness Week. 'This isn't an easy subject to speak about, but I know the importance of opening up. This is the best way I can honour Jamie, who believed so passionately in the power of grassroots football to bring people together. 'Sport – and football in particular – can be a powerful tool to reach those who might not otherwise seek help. If this training leads to even one meaningful conversation, it will have been worth it.' Wales men's national team Head Coach Craig Bellamy added his support: 'We all need to take the time to raise our awareness and understanding of mental health. This training will give clubs the tools to play their part, and I'd encourage every club in Wales to get involved.' Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy said the course has the potential to make a real difference: 'We want to build a culture where people feel safe to seek support without fear or judgement. 'This training can empower people to spot the signs, offer compassionate support, and help others access the services they need. It's about creating real change at every level of Welsh sport.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh football clubs to receive mental health awareness training
Initiative aims to tackle stigma and improve wellbeing across grassroots sport FOOTBALL clubs across Wales are being offered access to mental health awareness training as part of a nationwide drive to support players, coaches, and local communities. The initiative, backed by Mind Cymru, UK Coaching, and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), will provide around 1,000 e-learning course places to clubs. The training will equip coaches with the knowledge and confidence to better understand and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The announcement coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12–18), and follows the recent publication of the Welsh Government's Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Strategy and Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The course aims to break down stigma, address risk factors, and promote a positive sporting environment where mental wellbeing is prioritised. While the immediate focus is on raising awareness, Sport Wales is also developing a long-term preventative approach for the wider sporting sector. A launch event was held on Thursday (May 15) at Barry Town United FC, attended by former Wales goalkeeper and FAW ambassador Neville Southall, Sports Minister Jack Sargeant MS, and Barry Town Club Secretary David Cole. For Minister Sargeant, the campaign carries deep personal significance. He entered politics in the wake of his father Carl Sargeant's death by suicide in 2017, and in 2022, lost his best friend Jamie Wynne – a fellow football enthusiast – in similar circumstances. Speaking at the launch, he said: 'It means so much to me to help kick this programme off during Mental Health Awareness Week. 'This isn't an easy subject to speak about, but I know the importance of opening up. This is the best way I can honour Jamie, who believed so passionately in the power of grassroots football to bring people together. 'Sport – and football in particular – can be a powerful tool to reach those who might not otherwise seek help. If this training leads to even one meaningful conversation, it will have been worth it.' Wales men's national team Head Coach Craig Bellamy added his support: 'We all need to take the time to raise our awareness and understanding of mental health. This training will give clubs the tools to play their part, and I'd encourage every club in Wales to get involved.' Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy said the course has the potential to make a real difference: 'We want to build a culture where people feel safe to seek support without fear or judgement. 'This training can empower people to spot the signs, offer compassionate support, and help others access the services they need. It's about creating real change at every level of Welsh sport.'
South Wales Argus
16-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Welsh football clubs to get mental health training places
The initiative, launched by Mind Cymru and UK Coaching, aims to better equip clubs to support their teams, coaches, players, and the wider community. The e-learning course will be initially delivered to football clubs with the backing of the FAW. The course is designed to provide coaches with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to better understand and support individuals living with mental health issues. It also aims to foster a positive environment where everyone can enjoy the benefits of being active. Sports minister Jack Sargeant said: "It means so much to me to be able to kick this training programme forward and establish something that will really help people, especially now during Mental Health week. "I want to do anything and everything I can to ensure we can best help those who need support, no matter the setting." Craig Bellamy, head coach of the Wales men's football team, added: "It's important that we all take the time to raise our awareness and understanding of mental health and how we can support the people around us. "This e-learning course will help football clubs to understand how they can play their part in increasing awareness and understanding and I would encourage all clubs in Wales to get involved and take advantage of this training." The announcement coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week and follows the publication of the Suicide Prevention and Self Harm strategy and Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy last month.
