Clubs & Sport Development

Sport For Change

Sport for Change Network

Live Active Sport in partnership with sportscotland and the Gannochy Trust is pleased to launch a new Sport for Change Network, in Perth City.

The aim of the network is to address inequalities that prevent local people accessing quality sport and physical activity opportunities. Furthermore, we are looking for clubs to develop projects that focus specifically on the theme of improving mental wellbeing.

As part of the network, we will bring clubs together to:

  • Learn about Sport for Change and the inclusion methods that we have gained through sportscotland’s Changing Lives Champions Programme and the Changing Lives Leaders Programme
  • Benefit from mental health learning opportunities such as mental health awareness training and mental health first aid training 
  • Sign up to the Scottish Association of Mental Health (SAMH) Mental Health Charter and help to promote this to our wider club network
  • Help share the positive messages behind Sport for Change projects through case studies of your projects.

We are also offering as part of the network, a funding pot of £5000 to support Sport for Change projects.  Grants of up to £1000 are on offer to help Perth based sports clubs to start, or continue projects that support our theme of improving mental wellbeing.

Which clubs are part of the network?

In our first year of the network, our Changing Lives Champions team identified clubs to be invited to be part of the pilot Sport for Change Network. The clubs who have joined the network are: Perthshire Rugby, Jeanfield Swifts Football Club, Perth Phoenix Allstars Cheerleading, Adventure Circus, Fair City Juniors Football Club, Perth Parrots Floorball Club, Glenearn Badminton Club, Perth Strathtay Harriers.

What is Sport for Change?

Sport for change is using physical activity and sport intentionally to bring about positive benefits for individuals and communities, to address specific needs.

Why target mental health?

Poor mental health is an important public health challenge and significant mental health inequalities exist in Scotland. Improving the mental health and wellbeing of the population is a national priority because this is recognised as having a positive effect on many different aspects of society. Source Public Health Scotland.

In Perth, the Stronger Communities Network in August noted that support services had seen a noticeable increase in mental health issues with people, with third sector services stepping up to help those in need in the community. The pandemic and now the cost of living crisis is impacting everyone’s daily lives, mental health and wellbeing and services are struggling.

The Stronger Communities Network also noted that more needs to be done with children in school to support mental health and wellbeing (confidence, self-esteem), preventing issues later on in adult life – using a variety of early intervention and prevention approaches.

What is the SAMH Charter?

Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport aims to empower physical activity and sport communities to improve equality and reduce discrimination, ensuring mental health and wellbeing is not a barrier to physical activity and sport. The new initiative, which is part of the Charter, is aimed at club and community organisations and asks them to make four commitments:  

  • Promote inclusive practice around mental health and wellbeing
  • Embrace inclusion & create a positive & welcoming culture
  • Collaborate & contribute to the Charter network by sharing learning
  • Reflect on impacts & achievements in supporting people’s mental health & wellbeing

Sign up to the Charter (Community Level) | SAMH

Watch our Video all about our new Sport for Change Network:


Local mental health and wellbeing case studies

Yoga for Holistic Health - Adventure Circus / Bee'lieve Fitness 

 

National examples of supporting mental health and wellbeing