The Sport and Recreation Alliance has launched its own mental health working group for internal staff as part of a wider campaign focused on mental wellbeing.

Employees will be able to take part in internal staff sessions to discuss mental health as part of a Time to Talk campaign organised by charitable body Time to Change. It follows the publication of the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Mental Health Charter last March.

“We are currently working with our members towards the one year anniversary of the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation,” said Alliance chief executive Emma Boggis. “The Charter aims to encourage the sector to be more open when discussing mental health and to have plans in place to be able to support those in need.”

The Charter has received more than 200 signatories from national governing bodies who are submitting action plans about how they will implement the Charter. The promotion of wellbeing and tackling discrimination forms part of the aims of the Charter.

Time to Change surveyed more than 7,000 people with mental health problems, which revealed that 64 per cent felt isolated and 61 per cent felt ashamed. A further 60 per cent felt they had faced discrimination because of mental health issues. As part of its Time to Talk initiative, it’s asking the nation to have “more open conversations” and “tackle the stigma”.

From the sports sector, the Football Association (FA) and Everton Football Club are getting involved in the campaign.

Boggis added: “Time to Talk Day is challenging us to get talking about mental health and this is something we are very passionate about at the Alliance.”

Mental health also formed a significant part of the government’s Sporting Future strategy. Those wanting to receive public funding will have to demonstrate that their sport of activity is good for people’s mental wellbeing.

To see the full Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation report, click here.