Scottish Athletics’ Post

I often think about the unquestionable importance of physical activity: During the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the few activities we were permitted to leave our homes for was exercise. This highlights how crucial physical activity is to our human condition and survival. We no longer need to prove that exercise is beneficial; what we need now is to remove barriers and create more opportunities for people to be active. Exercise should be affordable, achievable, and actionable FOR EVERYONE. I am so proud of our successful community programs running here in Tasmania that we have developed with our community partners. These programs support hundreds of people in staying active and connected with their communities each and every week. Our evidence-based model can be easily adapted to other communities, demonstrating the potential for widespread impact. Across our island state, we have classes of 71 kids doing dance, 75 doing archery, 124 doing yoga, 80 doing tai chi and that is just to start, AND this is all while supporting dozens of small businesses and clubs to grow and connect with future clients or members. These programs are targeted at individuals who might not feel comfortable walking into a gym alone or joining a sports club for various reasons. They provide the support needed for people to be the best they can be. The healthiest they can be. It makes me wonder: if we know that physical activity is essential for both our physical and mental health, and we know it's possible to support people in increasing their activity levels, why are we still funnelling more and more funding into our acute health sector without adequately investing in community programs that foster long-term change for those who need it the most? The benefits are undeniable, and the potential for positive impact is immense. Is growing these programs the low-hanging fruit we have all been looking for? #PreventativeHealth #PhysicalActivity #CommunityHealth #Tasmania #HealthyIsland #HealthPromotion

In today's fast-paced world, finding activities that support our mental and physical well-being is crucial. This is especially true for our ageing population, who deserve opportunities to stay active, connected, and mentally healthy. That's where we come in. 🏌️♂️🏌️♀️ 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥-𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠: Playing golf offers therapeutic benefits, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting mental well-being. 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐬: Golf provides a low-impact, enjoyable form of exercise that helps maintain physical health, mobility, and overall fitness, particularly important for seniors. 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: The social nature of golf helps combat loneliness and isolation, allowing individuals to build and maintain meaningful relationships and social networks. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞: Golf in Society offers valuable respite opportunities for caregivers, giving them a break while their loved ones engage in a safe, enjoyable, and supportive activity. Accessible for All: No matter your challenge—whether it's Parkinson's, dementia, or other conditions—our golf sessions are tailored to meet your needs and are accessible for everyone. Through Golf in Society, we're not just promoting a sport; we're fostering a community that values health, happiness, and human connection. Let's swing towards a brighter, healthier future together. 🌳❤️ #GolfInSociety #MentalHealth #ActiveAging #Community #CaregiverSupport #HealthyLiving #SocialConnections #Wellbeing #InclusiveGolf

Join Confluence Water for The Push-Up Challenge this June and Push for Better Mental Health! Confluence Water | Sydney Water's North Regional Delivery Partner is excited to announce that we are once again participating in The Push-Up Challenge this June! From the 5th to the 28th of June, our team will come together to improve our physical and mental fitness, have some fun, and raise funds for mental health awareness in Australia. What is The Push-Up Challenge? Why are we taking part? The Push-Up Challenge is a free mental health and fitness event where participants complete 3,249 push-ups (or alternative exercises) over 24 days, representing the 3,249 lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2022. This initiative is not just about physical fitness; it’s a powerful push for better awareness and support for mental health. Here in the North, we believe in supporting the well-being of our employees and the broader community. The Push-Up Challenge provides a fantastic opportunity to promote better mental health, physical fitness, and team spirit. By participating, we aim to make a positive impact, highlight the importance of mental health awareness, and raise valuable funds for this important cause. We want you to join us to push for better! We encourage all our LinkedIn connections in the water and infrastructure industry to consider taking part in this challenge with their organisations. There is still time to sign up and make a difference! Not a fan or unable to do push-ups? No problem! The Push-Up Challenge has options for everyone. You can choose from sit-ups, squats, or wall push-ups instead. The challenge offers participation levels of 25%, 50%, or 75% of the target, so there's something for everyone, regardless of fitness level. If you can’t participate, consider sponsoring our team at: https://lnkd.in/gF_CcQdJ Join us in this meaningful initiative to promote mental health awareness and support. Together, we can push for better! #MentalHealth #PushForBetter #FitnessChallenge #CommunitySupport #Wellbeing #WaterIndustry #Infrastructure #ConfluenceWater #ThePushUpChallenge     

The annual social value of community sport and physical activity in England has been calculated at £107.2bn. According to a research report by Sport England – called The Social Value of Sport and Physical Activity in England – the value is made up of £96.7bn in annual wellbeing value for adults, children and young people taking part and volunteering in sport and physical activity. A further £10.5bn is made in wider savings to the health and social care system a year, through relieving pressure on the NHS by means of prevention of illness, reduced mental health service usage, fewer GP visits and a reduced need for informal (unpaid) care. The research – which was based on an in-depth analysis of Sport England’s Active Lives data – was undertaken in partnership with social value advisors State of Life, Sheffield Hallam University and The Manchester Metropolitan University. Published today, the report presents the findings from year one of a three-year study. The annual figures are based on participation, volunteering and population data for the year 2022-23, with all figures in 2023 prices. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eUEufvKQ #Sport #PhysicalActivity #Wellbeing #Research #Health Tim Hollingsworth OBE, Huw Edwards, Tara Dillon FCIMSPA (Ch), ukactive, CIMSPA, Sport and Recreation Alliance, Lisa Wainwright MBE (She/Her), Active Partnerships, Sport for Development Coalition, Youth Sport Trust, Andy Reed OBE, Richard Shaw

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟 We're thrilled to share some incredible updates from Movember NZ! As staunch supporters of men's health initiatives, we're constantly inspired by the impactful work they do. At MATES matter NZ, we understand the urgent need to address the high rates of poor mental health statistics for men and rangatahi in Aotearoa New Zealand. That's why we're particularly excited to shine a spotlight on Movember NZ's latest funding initiative geared towards enhancing Māori Men’s Wellbeing through innovative support. Movember NZ has recently unveiled two Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunities, calling for proposals. These initiatives offer grant funding and capacity building opportunities, empowering organisations to create, execute, and assess innovative programmes/interventions aimed at enhancing Māori men’s social and emotional wellbeing. Discover more about these EOIs and how to apply on the Movember website: https://lnkd.in/gHq7r8mX It's a true honor to be affiliated with an organisation that not only acknowledges diverse health needs but actively strives to tackle them. Movember's dedication to inclusivity and innovation is truly admirable. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to Robert and the Movember NZ team for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in propelling positive change. Your fervor and commitment are leaving a tangible impact on the lives of men and their families throughout New Zealand and beyond. Let's unite in supporting Movember's mission and spreading awareness about these remarkable funding opportunities. Together, we can effectuate a meaningful transformation in men's health and wellbeing. #Movember #IndigenousWellbeing #MensHealth #Innovation

In the Sport and Recreation sector the declining levels of participation in physical activity for rangatahi is a hot topic for obvious reasons. According to the Voice of Rangatahi 2023 survey rangatahi are saying they want to: - have more fun - have more variety in activities - feel supported We don't have all the answers, and still have a lot of learning to go, but including rangatahi in decision-making, creating supportive environments, and removing physical and/or psychosocial barriers to participating in opportunities they want to do is a great place to start. When you listen to the rangatahi in this video, it's so much more than the physical benefits that impact them. It's the self confidence, it's coping with life's challenges, and it's the feeling. There are people in the community providing mana enhancing opportunities for rangatahi, setting the standard and leading by example. At Nuku Ora, we are grateful to be able to share their kōrero, alongside the voices of the rangatahi they are serving. Check it out below koutou!

I am thrilled to announce the #MentalHealth-focused project I did earlier this month has been awarded the “Award of Sustainability” by the organiser, Voltra. With that being said, it means I won myself an opportunity to join one of the famous #overseas work camps shortly. “Work for a cause, not for applause.” It is eye-watering to know that our self-initiated project has been acknowledged and recognised by a #renowned organisation. A social experiment inspired the concept of this #self-initiated Project, and the social was about sticking Post-It written with positive notes around his neighbourhood and having strangers read them randomly. That experiment was well-received, and the organiser managed to bring positivity to his community. When we were in kindergarten, teachers asked about our emotions, happy or sad, and most importantly, why we felt that way. However, #emotional discussion has become taboo, especially in the Chinese Community. “Fake it till we make it”, living in such a fast-paced society, not only do we have to hide our emotions, but we have to ensure our emotions do not come into the way of our performance, which ends up causing an increase in the suicide rate. Our team would like to promote #mentalhealthawareness and #self-care through this project, it is really important to check in on your #mentalhealthstatus and the cause of it and take appropriate stress-releasing activities to maintain overall #well-being. We also asked the interviewees to leave us some positive notes and suggestions on #stress-releasing activities so we can circulate and try to empower others who are feeling down. Glad to know our project made a difference.

We’re doing things a bit differently! For the past 2 years, Charles and I have been running our free 8-week Strength and Wellbeing Course. We’ve welcomed amazing guys through our doors, introducing them to lifting and running workshops on a wide range of wellbeing themes. Two years ago, we dreamed of having more time to do even more for our community. The reality is, with day jobs, families, and other commitments, we’re stretched thin. So… we’re changing it up. Instead of the 8-week course, we’re now running ongoing sessions open to men who could benefit from a bit of community and learning how to better look after themselves. • Weekly Gym Sessions @ Vale Community Fitness: Learn new movements and lifts, get a little sweat on, and build confidence in the gym. • Weekly Meet-Ups @ The Bridge Between: Covering a whole range of health and wellbeing topics in a relaxed, supportive setting. I truly believe that for the health and wellbeing of our sons, fathers, and brothers, learning, moving, and building a supportive community is the best medicine. A huge thank you to Lotto Awards, Glamorgan Voluntary Services, and the Millennium Stadium Community Trust for supporting us during these incredible first two years. Special thanks to everyone who donated to our work and backed our annual challenges (Pen Y Fan to Snowdon in 2023, and Cardiff Bay to Pen Y Fan in 2024). This funding ensures we can keep doing what we’re doing. If you’re interested in popping down, just get in touch. Link in bio. Let’s keep lifting, learning, and growing together. 💪 . . . #mensmentalhealth #breakthestigma #mentalhealthawareness #strength #resilience #wellbeing #selfhelp #communitysupport #mentalhealthmatters #menshealth #fitnessandwellbeing #buildingcommunity #barry #wales #mentalwellbeing #supportmen #healthandwellbeing @nationallotterygoodcauses @valecommunityfitness

🌱💚 **Transforming Spaces, Nurturing Minds: A Legacy of Community Orchards in Donegal** In a remarkable initiative that interweaves the nurturing of both land and mental well-being, Donegal has witnessed the birth of community orchards that promise a greener future and a resilient community. Launched as part of the "Mind your Melon" program, these orchards are not just a testament to the power of community collaboration but also a beacon of hope for sustainable living and mental health awareness. Spanning October to December 2022, the initiative reached over 1,650 young individuals, empowering them to take the lead in planting apple, pear, plum, and cherry trees. This endeavour was made possible through the support of Connect Mental Health, Jigsaw Donegal, Foróige, and Donegal Local Development Company, alongside the dedication of TY and youth groups, local volunteers, and OURganic Gardens. The orchards, rooted in Pobal Eascarragh, Falcarragh, and the Termon Complex in Pettigo, are more than just food-producing spaces. They are outdoor classrooms where young people explore the importance of connecting with others, the benefits of being active in nature, and the impact of such activities on mental health and well-being. Ciaran McLoone, Chairperson of Connect Mental Health, encapsulated the essence of this initiative at the Pettigo launch, praising the young participants for creating spaces that not only benefit their local communities but also foster a deeper appreciation for nature's role in enhancing mental health. As advocates for greener growth and mental well-being, we recognize the immense value of such initiatives. They are proof that when we come together to care for our environment, we also cultivate a healthier, more resilient society. Let's celebrate the success of the Mind your Melon initiative and continue to support efforts that integrate sustainable development with mental health and community well-being. Here's to more projects that green our growth and enrich our lives! 🌳❤️ #SustainableDevelopment #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunityEngagement #GreenerGrowth #MindYourMelon https://lnkd.in/eghY4FGH

5 Ways to Wellbeing - Give The simple gift of giving can have an almighty impact – whether it’s the chance to share an idea, assist fellow gardeners or offer some inspiration - giving valuable contributions enables folk to feel useful, feel mutual support and boost one's self-worth and overall wellbeing. #dementiaactionweek #mentalhealthawarenessweek #5waystowellbeing #connect #give #beactive #notice #keeplearning