After completing the initial research stage for this project, it was time to seek out interviewees who could provide all sorts of perspectives about poor mental health in sport. I felt it was important to speak to organisations that actively attempt to end the stigma surrounding the subject, and came across the excellent work that Sport in Mind do.
I spoke to Neil Harris, who created the company after a simple act of trying to help a childhood friend in 2009. Neil devised a physical activity programme for his friend, to aid in his battle with mental health. Within nine months, Neil's brainchild had helped his friend re-enter full-time employment and would later go on to help thousands of others suffering from mental illnesses.
Sport in Mind is spearheading the battle to stop the stigma, whilst encouraging people to speak out about their struggles and find help.
Despite Sport in Mind's heroic efforts, Neil told me: "Although great strides have been made to combat the stigma associated to mental health problems in society, stigma with the sports sector and wider society still continues."
To find out what else Neil had to say about Sport in Mind and mental health in sport, check out the completed project in mid-December.
Comments