To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we are taking a look at the work done in British Taekwondo to gain an understanding of how to support members of our community and beyond. British Taekwondo Development Manager Sophie Jameson has written the following blog post on a recent Mental Health training course she attended in Manchester, and how she will use what she learned going forward.
As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, I’m proud to share that I’ve recently completed the Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) course with Manchester Mind. This two-day course has provided me with the skills and confidence to support those around me—both in the workplace and across our wider taekwondo community.
Working for British Taekwondo, I see the energy, discipline, and passion our members bring to the sport. But I also know that even the most focused member, athlete or dedicated coach can struggle with their mental health. Behind every belt is a person who may be carrying far more than we can sometimes see.
Why I Took the Course
I chose to take the MHFA course because I want to champion mental health awareness within British Taekwondo and ensure that both our organisation and our members feel safe to share how they feel. Mental wellbeing isn’t something separate from sport—it’s an essential part of it. If someone feels supported, seen, and heard, they’re far more likely to thrive both on and off the mat.
This is about more than training – this is about changing culture. I believe everyone should feel able to say, “I’m not okay,” without fear of judgment. And as part of British Taekwondo, I want to help create an environment where that’s possible.
What the Training Covered
The MHFA course equipped me with:
· A deeper understanding of common mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
· Practical tools for supporting someone in crisis, and the confidence to have difficult conversations.
· Techniques for listening non-judgementally and signposting people to professional support.
· An understanding of how to create safe, inclusive, and mentally healthy environments – whether in the office, at a club, or at an event.
Just like physical first aid, mental health first aid is about being present when someone needs help – and making sure they know they’re not alone.
How I’ll Be Supporting British Taekwondo
Now that I’m trained as a Mental Health First Aider, I’m committed to:
· Providing a safe, confidential point of contact for staff, volunteers, and members who may be struggling.
· Working alongside our safeguarding and welfare teams to integrate mental health into our wider strategy and club guidance.
· Helping raise awareness through campaigns, training signposting, and encouraging open conversation.
· Normalising mental health support—so that seeking help feels as natural as warming up before a session.
I’m proud to be part of a growing movement within sport that puts people first – and I’ll continue working to make sure that our community supports both the mind and the body.
A Call to Action
Mental Health Awareness Week is the perfect time to reflect—but it’s also a time to act. If you’re a coach, welfare officer, club administrator, or simply a passionate member of our community, I’d encourage you to:
· Start a conversation
· Share your own experience
· Look into mental health training for your club
· Most importantly, check in on the people around you
Together, we can build a culture where support is second nature.
If you’d like to know more about MHFA training or how we’re supporting mental health at British Taekwondo, feel free to get in touch.
Support Resources
Whether you need help for yourself or someone you care about, here are some trusted organisations: ·
Mind – Mental health information, support, and helplines
Samaritans – Call 116 123 (Free, 24/7)
Sport in Mind – Mental health charity for sportspeople
YoungMinds – Support for children, teens, and parents
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