Head in the Clouds – Mental Health Awareness
Head in the Clouds is a BGA initiative to raise Mental Health Awareness in gliding, launched 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
Everyone – please be aware of mental health issues – there’s some great guidance below.
Clubs – please encourage people to become mental health first-aiders. We can recommend the following training providers in the first instance:
https://www.sja.org.uk/courses/workplace-mental-health-first-aid/
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
