CLIENT CASE STUDY: Sport Northern Ireland

PROJECT OVERVIEW:
Mental Health Awareness eLearning module

We worked with Sport NI, The Irish FA, Irish Athletic Boxing Association, Netball NI, Ulster GAA and Ulster Rugby to develop a Mental Health Awareness eLearning course.

The course, which is available to officers and volunteers at all sports clubs across Northern Ireland, has been funded by the Department for Communities through its Warm, Well and Connected programme.

The eLearning course defines mental health, the difference between mental health and mental ill health, discusses the stigma of mental health and signs of mental health problems, where to access support and self-help strategies, including the five steps to wellbeing.

CHALLENGES

Communities Minister for Northern Irelan, Deirdre Hargey, said:

“I am delighted that my Department has been able to support the sport’s governing bodies involved in the development of this Mental Health eLearning package through the Warm, Well, Connected Programme. This is an excellent eLearning Package which will complement the support already available to those coaches, volunteers and participants who are involved with our local communities and sports organisations on the ground.

“The past year of the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted on many individuals in so many ways, including mental health and wellbeing. During this time, we have seen more than ever the importance of different groups coming together to deliver for their local communities and the development of this Mental Health eLearning Package by the sports sector is an example of the success of such collaborative work and I have no doubt that many people will ultimately benefit from it.”

Project Co-ordinator Gavin Nelson from the Irish FA explained:

“This Mental Health Awareness eLearning course will provide officers, coaches and volunteers in all sports to recognise the signs of mental health, where they can access support and self-help strategies.

“This project is also a great example of collaboration across the sports sector between the sports involved and the external partners who have helped make this possible. We are thankful to the Department for Communities for funding this project and hope that it will make a real difference.”

SOLUTION

Since the course launched, 878 learners have taken part in the course and gained certification in Mental Health Awareness. The learning outcomes for this module include:

Increase knowledge around Mental Health & Mental Ill Health.
Understand the symptoms of Mental Health disorders.
Learn how you can support yourself and others.

RESULTS

Since the course launched, almost 1,000 people working in sport in Northern Ireland have taken the course and expanded their knowledge and understanding on the complex areas of mental health.

ABOUT THE CLIENT

Sport Northern Ireland is the leading public body for the development of sport in Northern Ireland. Sporting Communities aims to increase and support the number of people adopting and sustaining a sporting lifestyle.

To find out more about Sport NI, visit http://www.sportni.net/