At the Sporting Equals Awards 2024, we proudly welcomed back mind as a sponsor with the launch of the Wellbeing Award. This award celebrates organisations committed to championing mental health and wellbeing through the power of sport within ethnically diverse communities. This year, we received 23 incredible nominations from a wide range of projects, including boxing, yoga, swimming, and cricket.
The nominations were narrowed down to the following three outstanding finalists:
BEAP Community Partnership
BEAP Active has implemented a range of policies designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of both participants and staff. Recognising the importance of mental health in the overall wellbeing of their community, they have established clear guidelines and procedures aligned with best practices. A cornerstone of their approach is their Mental Health Policy, which outlines their commitment to creating a supportive environment for all participants. The policy focuses on early intervention and ongoing support, detailing procedures for identifying and responding to mental health concerns. It ensures that staff members are equipped to handle such situations with sensitivity and professionalism.
Soul Trail Wellbeing
Soul Trail Wellbeing offers mindful walks (including hikes, six-week nature programmes, and drop-in sessions) to improve mental health through nature connection. They are linked to Bristol Green Social Prescribing and receive referrals for patients with poor mental health. Their therapeutic walks incorporate nature connection activities such as foraging, herbal remedies, mindfulness exercises, creative nature work, group discussions, and learning how to use nature as a resource.
Unity Boxing Centre CIC
Unity Boxing Centre CIC is built on the foundations of promoting positive mental wellbeing. This Muslim-led gym is based in the heart of Rotherham’s diverse communities and attracts participants from across the borough and beyond. Unity runs twice-weekly bespoke men’s mental health sessions, offering a safe space for men to connect. The sessions are supported by an embedded counsellor who attends weekly from Rotherham and Barnsley Mind. The gym also features a chill area to complement their “talk and train” sessions and provides bespoke neurodivergent delivery options.
On the evening of the awards, it was BEAP Community Partnership who were crowned winners. They were presented with their award by Sue O’Leary (Executive Director, Mind) and Chris Ramsey MBE. Speaking about the award, Shahidur Rahman, Executive Director of BEAP, said:
“Being shortlisted for the Mind Wellbeing Award is a true honour and reflects the hard work we’ve done in Bradford to support mental and physical wellbeing through sport.”
For more information on the amazing work BEAP carries out, visit https://beapcp.co.uk/.
