World Mental Health Day 2025: Supporting Each Other Beyond the Platform

This year’s World Mental Health Day (10 October) carries the theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”, emphasising that in times of crisis, people’s mental health needs become even more urgent and yet access to support is often constrained.

In the Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting sport communities, we often think about physical health, but mental health, wellness and support is just as important.

We believe openness, awareness, and compassion are vital. Below is a curated list of reliable organisations, services and toolkits for the British Weight Lifting community: athletes, coaches, parents/guardians, and clubs, to use as reference or share widely. 

For Athletes and individuals:

• Mind 
  Mind offers materials addressing the mental pressures that can arise in sport (such as anxiety, confidence, and esablishing balance), as well as general mental wellbeing.
  • Mind: Types of Mental Health Problems
  • Mind: A-Z of Mental Health
  • Mind: Tips for Every Day Living
  • Mind: Find your Local Branch
  • Mind: Ways to Help Yourself Cope in a Crisis
• CALM - Campaign Against Living Miserably
  CALM’s vision is that no one feels like suicide is their only option. But right now, too many people are struggling to see a way forward. Life saving services, information and advice.
• UKAD – “100% Me”
  UK Anti-Doping’s athlete education programme promotes clean sport and personal responsibility.
• Mental Health Foundation 
  The Mental Health Foundation offers advice and support, covering what you can do to help your mental health, seeking external support, and what to do in a crisis.
• Samaritans
  For 24/7 confidential listening support, call 116 123.
• Shout
  A free, anonymous, 24/7 crisis text service. Text SHOUT to 85258.

For Coaches:

• Sport England - How Physical Activity Helps Mental Health
  Read about how getting active can support mental health, and see studies and resources surrounding the link between physical and mental healt.
• UK Coaching – Coaching the Person Framework
  Use coaching approaches mindful of athlete mental health, communication, and creating psychologically safe spaces.
• HereToTalk Training
  Learn the skills to recognise, ask, listen and help those in need with their mental health.
  We’re working with Tom Chapman, the award-winning mental health advocate who trains client focussed organisations, like clubs and gyms, to help prevent suicide.
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England
  Accredited training that helps people identify, understand and respond to signs of mental ill health.

For Parents & Guardians:

• Mind – Advice for Parents & Carers
  Guidance for supporting young people, understanding mental health conditions, and navigating help.
• YoungMinds – Parent/Guardian support
  Free telephone and webchat service offering information, advice and support. Call 0808 802 5544 -  Operating hours: Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays 9:30am–4:00pm; Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9:30am–6:00pm. Note: it is not a crisis service, so in urgent situations, other routes should be used.

• BWL Safeguarding
  Information about how to report welfare or mental health concerns and your role in ensuring a safe environment.

For Clubs:

• BWL Safeguarding Hub
  Clubs can download templates for reporting, welfare officer guidance, codes of conduct, and safeguarding policy documents.
• Mental Health Foundation – Workplace / Wellbeing Resources
  While aimed at workplaces, many resources (culture, communication, support frameworks) are adaptable to clubs and gyms.
• Sport England / Buddle (Previously Club Matters)
  Buddle provides a suite of resources, guidance and support for clubs. While not guaranteed to include a standalone “mental health toolkit,” many of its governance, welfare, and development tools are relevant.
• Rethink Mental Illness – Campaigns & Activity Toolkits
  While Rethink runs awareness campaigns (e.g. Right Treatment, Right Time), some of their materials (on mental health and physical activity) may be useful for club programming and awareness.

Join the Conversation & Take Action:

You can help amplify the message on 10 October and beyond:

• Host a Tea & Talk or informal session at your club
• Check in on teammates, coaches, volunteers or staff
• Share mental health resources and messages via your social and internal channels
• Wear green on 10 October or use green branding to signify mental health awareness

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out:

• Samaritans (116 123)
• Shout (text SHOUT to 85258)
• Your Club Welfare Officer or safeguarding lead

Let’s strive for a community where mental health is discussed openly and supported as routinely as physical performance.