GB SNOWSPORT ANNOUNCES ‘BE BRAVE’ MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN

23rd April 2020

Last modified on May 15th, 2021

The UK’s skiing and snowboarding governing body is taking action to end the stigma around mental health.

Government coronavirus advice

It has announced a new campaign: Be Brave.

It will urge athletes, staff and stakeholders to ‘Be Brave and talk; Be Brave and listen and Be Brave and act’.

The aim is to give its skiers and snowboarders the best possible support in both their physical and mental wellbeing.

GB Snowsport has also announced it is joining other leading sporting organisations across the country by signing up to the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation.

It will follow best practice guidelines that have been set by the Charter in association with the mental health charity, Mind.

The Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation was developed by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, Professional Players Federation and Mind.

It creates ‘a welcoming, inclusive and positive environment for everyone to participate in sport and recreation as well as encouraging people to talk about mental health and support others to seek help and support when needed’.

GB Snowsport has released a video of its athletes across the disciplines to mark the launch of its #BeBrave campaign:

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“There are over 280 organisations signed-up to the Charter creating and sharing new ideas and best practice,” says GB Snowsport CEO, Vicky Gosling.

“Our vision is to be in the top 5 snowsport nations in the world by 2030 and we must deliver the best possible support to make sure our athletes can perform at their peak and that means looking after their mental well-being as well as that of everyone involved with our sport.

“We’re proud to be one of the organisations who have joined this great initiative and are committed to taking positive action around positive mental health and physical activity. ‘Be Brave’ will be a call to arms for everyone and to ensure that they support those in need of assistance, to listen to their concerns and in act in their defence.”

Lisa Wainwright, CEO of Sport and Recreational Alliance added: “We are delighted to welcome GB Snowsport as the newest signatories of the Mental Health Charter.

“One in four of us will experience a mental health problem every year. Yet, it is still something people are worried to talk about or ask for help. This must change and physical activity can play a massive part.

“We know that being physically active can help mental wellbeing and by signing up to the Charter, GB Snowsport have demonstrated a commitment to playing their part in moving the conversation forward and adopting best practice.”

GB Snowsport says it is committed to promoting wellbeing, adopting good policies and practice. It will ensure that the best practice principles and resources are shared across all disciplines and available to all athletes.

It will also be a key voice in promoting positive messages using diverse role models and ambassadors.

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