Today, on World Mental Health Day, I find myself reflecting not just as the new Head of the NSPCC’s Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU), but as a parent, a colleague and a lifelong advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
Mental health is not a standalone issue. It's woven into the fabric of everything we do – how we parent, how we coach, how we educate and how we safeguard.
And in my new role at CPSU, I’m committed to making sure children’s wellbeing, their mental health and voices are instrumental in our work.
One of the most impactful ways we can help with mental health is through sport and physical activity as their benefits are well-documented and include movement boosting our mood, building resilience and fostering connection.
But sport and physical activity also offer something deeply human – it gives children a sense of belonging, a place to express themselves and a safe space to grow.
The power of communication
Whether it’s a kickabout in the park or through more structured team-training, movement can be a lifeline for young people – helping them navigate the complexities of growing up and it can also help them to cope with the world’s pressures.
But the act of playing sport or being physically active alone isn’t enough.
This week we are also celebrating Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport Week, and we think that sport and physical activity are key in highlighting that parents and carers play a crucial role in safeguarding their mental wellbeing.
This safeguarding starts with a conversation, because when we talk openly with our children about emotions, stress and support, we create a culture of trust and a safety net.
These conversations don’t have to be perfect – they just have to be real and, as parents, we have to listen.