Head in the Clouds – Mental Health Awareness
Head in the Clouds is a BGA initiative to raise Mental Health Awareness in gliding. It is being led by Mental Health First Aider and BGGC member Joey Beard.
The BGA are signatories to the Sport & Recreation Alliance Mental Health Charter: ‘By signing up to the Charter, you are committing to helping make our vision, to embed mental health within sport and recreation to create a culture shift that removes the stigma around mental health, a reality.’
Where it started
In the April/May 2022 issue of S&G , Joey wrote an article about the need to raise mental health awareness in Gliding called ‘Head in the Clouds’ . The article emphasized the need to:
- Talk more openly about mental wellbeing in gliding.
- Recognise the signs of mental health issues and know where to go for help.
- Recognise the positive impact our sport has on mental health.
Where its going
Sign up!
We are now asking clubs to become signatories to the campaign to demonstrate their commitment to the cause. You can do so by filling in the form at this link.
Share your stories
We are also seeking members of the gliding community to tell their stories about mental health and gliding to get more people talking more openly on the airfield. Please contact Joey directly below if you are happy to share your story, anonymously or otherwise as part of the awareness campaign.
Become a Mental Health First Aider
We are encouraging clubs to train their own Mental Health First Aiders. We recommend the following training providers in the first instance:
https://www.sja.org.uk/courses/workplace-mental-health-first-aid/
Read our column in S&G
Keep an eye out for Joey’s regular Head in the Clouds column in S&G which started in the Aug/Sep 23 issue.
For further information, you can contact us at headintheclouds@gliding.co.uk .
Mental health top tips!
Looking after your own mental health is not something we should just do when we’re struggling. It’s something we should think about all the time and invest in.
The NHS provides seven top-tips to improve our mental well-being. You can view them here.
Traumatic event
Royal College of Psychiatrists guidance for someone who has witnessed a traumatic event is available here.
Bereavement
When bereavement occurs in our personal, work or leisure lives, it is important to look out for each other and talk to one another about how we’re feeling. There is a wealth of accessible and free professional support out there. Please don’t be afraid to use it. Here are example sources of information:
Online Bereavement Support | Sue Ryder
