Mind responds to ukactive report, Blueprint for an Active Britain
In response to ukactive’s report, Blueprint for an Active Britain, in which the trade body for the physical activity sector urges the Government to take action to reduce inactivity across the UK Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind says:
“Regular physical activity has the potential to have a significant impact on the prevention, treatment and management of a range of mental health problems. Having a mental health problem should never be a barrier to being physically active so it’s essential that those of us with a mental health problem have the opportunity to access appropriate, effective local services that can support the development of active lifestyles available for everyone.
“This report highlights the need for physical activity policy to go beyond speaking purely about physical health, and raises some practical measures that can impact on people’s mental wellbeing.”
Mind's recent research found that nearly 70 per cent of people feel their mental health makes taking part in sport too difficult. Of those who do take part in sport, more than one in five say it is because their GP or another health professional had recommended it, while more than ninety per cent participate because it is good for their mental wellbeing.
Get Set to Go, supported by Sport England and the National Lottery, will help people with mental health problems become more active through sports projects at eight local Minds. People taking part will receive one-to-one support from others with shared experiences, who understand the additional challenges a mental health problem presents to those who want to get active.