We're experts in supporting sportspeople with their mental wellbeing.
It’s no secret that the world of sport is tough for people physically, but it’s also worth noting that athletes and sportspeople can struggle with their careers mentally. At UKIM, we want to raise awareness to this and highlight why it’s imperative to promote positive mental health in sport.
Being an athlete is incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally. Training and performing at a high standard comes with a lot of mental pressure, criticisms from coaches and supporters or spectators, as well as the pressure of keeping the high level of fitness to participate.
We've partnered with Bradford City AFC to deliver our Wellbeing in Sports package.
We offer bespoke mental health and wellbeing support for athletes and those in the sporting industry, because taking care of mental health is of the utmost importance. In sport specifically, there’s a lot to acknowledge when it comes to player’s mental wellbeing and that’s why we offer a tailored package with our very own psychology team. There are different things to consider, such as how exposed players are to heavy criticisms online and in-person, news coverage, performance stresses, and the big question - are they good enough to make it to the first team?
Historically in football, its been more about self-management, often with the expectation that players will just get on with it. However this approach fails to accommodate the variety of needs that players may have. Talking openly about mental challenges can often put a different perspective on things.
UKIM Sports Consultant, Ben Jones, says:
“If one of the lads is hobbling about, you know he’s got an injury. A mental illness can have as great a debilitating effect on a player as a physical problem. UKIM offer a proactive way of addressing that.”
It’s important that life-factors are taken into consideration as they can have an impact on mental health and stresses. Ben goes on to say:
“We want the bigger clubs to take it on from age 10, we want the academy boys covered and we want the women’s teams involved. They have a stigma before they begin that they are playing a man’s game. They’ve got pregnancy within their career, menstrual problems and other issues that can all be talked through.”
Helping athletes with their Mental Wellbeing
There’s a lot to think about for athletes and it can be very overwhelming. It’s important that there’s plenty of support to help them and that’s why UKIM are now offering a proactive Wellbeing in Sports package. We’re supporting the wider ongoing conversations surrounding mental health; we will continue to help improve mental health in various industries and will keep the conversation going.
