Promoting better mental health awareness throughout British Taekwondo clubs.

British Taekwondo understands the importance of mental health for everyone involved in our sport.

This year more than ever, we want to encourage our clubs to spread this awareness through conversation, action and continual work moving forward.

We encourage you to talk within your clubs where possible. However, we understand the various reasons why people may not want to discuss their personal mental health problems with people in their own social circle.

In these circumstances we encourage all members to still reach out to someone, either a recommended member of British Taekwondo staff or a dedicated charity.

Emily – membership.services@britishtaekwondo.org

Annie – disability@britishtaekwondo.org

Rachel – safeguarding@britishtaekwondo.org

Mental Health awareness guide

We’ve also created a downloadable World Mental Health Day Guide with useful information, contact details and tips you can use year round.

Mental health is a term used to describe emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Our mental health is at least as important as our physical health. It strongly affects our daily lives – how they feel to us, as well as our ability do the things we need and want to, including work, study, getting on with people and looking after ourselves and others.

Many people are reluctant to talk about their feelings and their mental health – there is still a stigma around it. Ironically, not sharing our feelings with anyone, or even knowing what they are, can make our mental health worse. Talking can help us find hope again, and feel closer to other people.

We understand, the importance of mental health being understood and healthy habits being promoted within our clubs and across the British Taekwondo community. Because we believe in the importance of promoting mental health, we have compiled a guide which everyone can use if they feel they need to work on their mental health.

It’s not always easy to start with caring for your wellbeing, so before you begin, it might be helpful to:

• Only try what feels comfortable.
• Give yourself time to figure out what works for you.
• Going at your own pace.
• Take small steps. Pick one or two things that feel achievable at first, before moving on to try other ideas

Remember: none of us are perfect, we all have our limits. What’s good enough and what works for you, is great!

Organisations we’re working with

Monday 10th October is World Mental Health Day.

The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on the 10th October every year.

The theme of 2022’s World Mental Health Day, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’.

For over 70 years, the Mental Health Foundation has been working to make sure that mental health is treated on a par with physical health. Mental health problems exist in our lives, families, workplaces and communities, impacting everyone. We need to do as much as possible to prevent mental ill-health – as individuals and as a society. The Mental Health Foundation will continue to call on national and local government to prioritise reducing the factors known to pose a risk to people’s mental health, enhancing those known to protect it and creating the conditions needed for people to thrive.

World Mental Health Day is also a chance to talk about mental health in general, how we need to look after it, and how important it is to talk about things and get help if you are struggling.

Visit the World Mental Health Day website for more information.

Sport England tools and resources for mental health

Sport England have compiled some tools and resources to help organisations support members with their mental health.

You can access the information on the Sport England website.

Talk to us on social media.

You can find British Taekwondo on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube and we use the #TaekwondoTalks hashtag to share updates on mental health matters.

Medical emergencies.

For urgent medical attention please call 999 or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department.