Today marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK and will run from Monday 10th May to Sunday 16th May and we are urging our members to join the fight for mental health.

During this pandemic, millions of us have experienced a mental health problem, or seen a loved one struggle. And we’ve seen that the support we all need just isn’t out there.

For them, for us and for you – we must take this chance to step up the fight for mental health. That means fighting for change, for fairness, for respect and for life-changing support.

Here at British Judo, we have made great strides in our work supporting the mental health of our members and athletes alike:

• We have launched a Mental Health and Wellbeing website which is frequently updated with new resources – click here for more information.
• We have recruited a staff lead for wellbeing across the Association to develop our mental health strategy whilst facilitating immediate improvements.
• We have co-ordinated mental health first aid training which has seen 12 coaches from across the Association become certified Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA). If you would like to become a MHFA, you can register your interest by emailing our Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, Sami Smithson at sami.smithson@britishjudo.org.uk. It is our aspiration have a MHFA’er at every event, camp and competition in the future so we would like volunteers from across the community to get involved.
• We are always on the lookout for members to join Mental Health and Wellbeing steering group. You can find out more about the group, by contacting sami.smithson@britishjudo.org.uk
• As an employer, we have also taken strides in providing more individual support to employees.

How you can get involved

• Speak out and share why you’re fighting. Whether you use social media or simply speak with friends, family or colleagues – mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 by telling those around you why you’ve joined the fight for mental health and help create a movement for change.
• Donate. With your help, we can lead the fight for mental health together, while continuing to give support to those of us with a mental health problem.