Sports join together to develop Mental Health Awareness e-learning course

Ulster Rugby has been working with Sport NI, the Irish FA, Irish Athletic Boxing Association, Netball NI, and Ulster GAA to develop a Mental Health Awareness e-learning course.

The course, which is available to officers and volunteers at all sports clubs across the province, has been funded by the Department for Communities through its Warm, Well and Connected programme.

The e-learning course defines mental health, the difference between mental health and mental ill health, discusses the stigma of mental health and signs of mental health problems, where to access support and self-help strategies, including the five steps to wellbeing.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: “I am delighted that my Department has been able to support the sports governing bodies involved in the development of this Mental Health E-Learning package through the Warm, Well, Connected Programme.  This is an excellent E-Learning Package which will complement the support already available to those coaches, volunteers and participants who are involved with our local communities and sports organisations on the ground.

“The past year of the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted on many individuals in so many ways, including mental health and wellbeing.  During this time, we have seen more than ever the importance of different groups coming together to deliver for their local communities and the development of this Mental Health E-learning Package by the sports sector is an example of the success of such collaborative work and I have no doubt that many people will ultimately benefit from it.”

Ulster Rugby’s Head of Rugby Development, Chris Webster added, “With mental health coming increasingly to the fore with regards to the overall well-being of our communities, the launch of this Mental Health Awareness e-learning course couldn’t be more timely.

“The more awareness we can build around noticing the signs, the more the stigma is removed from conversations about mental health. I’d encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of this course which is available to all volunteers within the rugby community.”

The Mental Health Awareness – Level 1 online course is available here: https://www.wellbeinginsport.com/

This Mental Health Awareness e-learning module (Level 1) is recognised as a prerequisite to the Sport NI Reaching Out Through Sport – Mental Health Awareness workshop for Adults (Level 2) course and Mental Health First Aid (Level 3).

For further information please contact Sport NI: wellbeinginsport@sportni.net

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