The British Judo Association is launching a partnership with Mental Health Innovations (MHI) to offer junior and senior judoka and the wider judo community free, confidential, 24/7 mental health support through the Shout text messaging service.

MHI have an extensive list of supporters, including The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. British Judo will become the first sporting National Governing Body to partner with the charity.

The service can be used at any time by texting ‘JUDO’ to 85258.

It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need urgent help. At the heart of the service are more than 2,000 trained volunteers who support people from crisis to calm every single day, helping them with issues such as anxiety, depression, loneliness or isolation, money worries, relationship problems, stress and suicidal thoughts.

At British Judo, the mental health and well-being of our members, athletes and staff is crucial and we aim to promote a sustainable membership programme where everyone has the best opportunity to have positive mental health and well-being.

Sami Smithson, Head of Inclusion, Safeguarding and Well-being at British Judo has been the driving force behind the Shout launch. Speaking about the launch Sami said;

“It is fantastic to be the first National Governing Body to its members. I would like to thank MHI for their support in getting to this point and we look forward to working with them in the future, supporting our judo community.”

To access support anytime, text the word ‘JUDO’ to 85258.

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