We already know that being physically active can give a huge boost to our health and well-being. However, we also believe that the impact sport and physical activity can have on mental wellbeing is every bit as important as the physical benefits.
How are OTFC supporting the 5 Steps to Well-being?
- Connect with your team – good relationships are important. They build your sense of belonging and self-worth. Talk to someone new or perhaps it’s time to re-connect with old friends?
- Be physically Active – Physical activity can contribute to enjoyment, happiness and greater well-being as well as have the potential to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, though increased social interaction.
- Learn New Skills – whether you have been playing for years, are new to the sport, or are returning after a break, football is always evolving. Why not set yourself a new challenge or try a new skill? Your team will be able to help you set meaningful goals for you to achieve. This all helps build self-esteem and a greater self-worth
- Give to others – People who are keen to help others often experience a boost in their happiness. This could be helping a team-mate hone a skill, giving positive encouragement throughout a game or even helping your coach.
- Take notice – We often ask people “How are you feeling?” Often, the reply isn’t always honest. Time to Change is asking us to “ask twice” to open up the discussion and sometimes, it makes all the difference. But sometimes, we need advice from organisations with decades of experience supporting mental health. Please see the links below should you need any advice or support.
Local Support
- Talk to your GP
- Visit https://www.chatyouthcounselling.org.uk/ A confidential youth counselling service, free to young people aged 9-25
- Visit https://www.keep-your-head.com/cyp A site which brings together reliable, up to date information on mental health and well-being in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area for Children & Young people, as well as their parents/carers.
- Visit https://www.kooth.com/ Free, anonymous and safe support for young people aged 11-17 years old.
- Visit https://www.cpft.nhs.uk/psychological-wellbeing-service A wellbeing service for young people and adults aged 17 years old and older.
- The Hub of Hope https://hubofhope.co.uk This is a mental health database bringing grassroots and mental health services together.
National support, helplines and listening services
Mind
www.mind.org.uk 0300 123 3393 Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm (excl. bank holidays)
Mind is a charity who provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a metal health problem.
Mind’s also has an online community called ‘Side by Side’ where you can listen, share and be heard. https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk
Shout
Shout is a free, confidential support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, for immediate support from a trained and supervised volunteer. This is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Samaritans
116 123 – call from any phone for free.
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Samaritans have also launched a self-help app. This helps keep track of how you are feeling, and get recommendations for things you can do to help yourself cope, feel better and stay safe in a crisis. https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/self-help/
The Mix
Provides essential support for under 25’s including telephone counselling services, 121 chat and crisis messaging services.