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Sport and Physical Activity Workforce Mental Health Survey

The Sport and Physical Activity Workforce Mental Health (SPAWMH) Survey is the first nation-wide study of mental health in the sport and physical activity workforce for example: grassroots/community sport, high-performance sport, activity/lifestyle/recreation and education in the United Kingdom.

Logo - Sport and Recreation Alliance
Logo - Docia sport

The project is being led by researchers at Edge Hill University in association with DOCIAsport and supported by the Sport and Recreation Alliance.

The study examines mental health in the sport and physical activity workforce (including grassroots/community sport, high-performance sport, activity/lifestyle/recreation and education).

Survey results

1,201 respondents (51% male, 49% female, 0.4% other) aged 16+ working in over 50 roles across more than 50 sports and activities completed the Sport and Physical Activity Workforce Mental Health (SPAWMH) survey between 10 October 2018 and 31 December 2018.

Ever experienced mental illness
Currently experience mental illness
Support for mental health
About the respondents

Project team

The project is being led by researchers at Edge Hill University in association with DOCIAsport and supported by the Sport and Recreation Alliance.

Professor Andy Smith
Professor of Sport and Physical Activity
[email protected]
+44 (0)1695 657295

Dr David Haycock
Senior Lecturer in Sport Development and Management
[email protected]
+44(0) 1695 584162

Jon Jones
Partnership Development and Engagement Manager (Education, Health and Wellbeing)
[email protected]
+44(0) 1695 584082

Rachel Wilcock
Research Assistant (Sport and Mental Health)
[email protected]
+44(0) 1695 584405

Ian Braid MSc
MD – DOCIAsport Ltd
[email protected]

Hub of Hope

The Hub of Hope from Chasing the Stigma is a first of its kind, national mental health database which brings together organisations and charities, large and small, from across the country who offer mental health advice and support, together in one place.

About the study

The purpose of this research is to undertake the first nation-wide study of mental health in the sport and physical activity workforce (i.e. grassroots/community sport, high-performance sport, activity/lifestyle/recreation and education) in the United Kingdom.

The study is intended for anyone aged 16 and above and is concerned with identifying ways in which the mental health of those who work in sport can be better supported and promoted.

Why have I been invited to participate?
Do I have to take part? What will happen to me if I decide to take part?
What will happen to the data provided and will my participation be anonymous?
What will happen to the results of the research project?
Who has reviewed the project?
What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
Is there someone independent I can talk to about the research?

Find out more

View our MSc Sport, Physical Activity and Mental Health programmeother courses and our sport and mental health work on our Everton in the Community pages.

For more information about this project, please contact Professor Andy Smith ([email protected]).