Ulster GAA joins other sports to develop Mental Health Awareness e-learning course

Ulster GAA has been working with Sport NI, Irish Football Association, Irish Athletic Boxing Association, Netball NI, and Ulster Rugby to develop a Mental Health Awareness e-learning course.

The course, which is available to officers and volunteers at all sports clubs across NI, has been funded by the Department for Communities through its Warm, Well & Connected programme.

The e-learning course defines mental health, the difference between mental health and mental ill health, discusses the stigma of mental health and signs of mental health problems, where to access support and self-help strategies, including the five steps to wellbeing.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said:  “I am delighted that my Department has been able to support the sports governing bodies involved in the development of this Mental Health E-Learning package through the Warm, Well, Connected Programme.  This is an excellent E-Learning Package which will complement the support already available to those coaches, volunteers and participants who are involved with our local communities and sports organisations on the ground.

“The past year of the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted on many individuals in so many ways, including mental health and wellbeing.  During this time, we have seen more than ever the importance of different groups coming together to deliver for their local communities and the development of this Mental Health E-learning Package by the sports sector is an example of the success of such collaborative work and I have no doubt that many people will ultimately benefit from it.”

Project Co-ordinator Gavin Nelson from the Irish FA explained: “This Mental Health Awareness e-learning course will provide officers, coaches and volunteers in all sports to recognise the signs of mental health, where they can access support and self-help strategies.

“This project is also a great example of collaboration across the sports sector between the sports involved and the external partners who have helped make this possible. We are thankful to the Department for Communities for funding this project and hope that it will make a real difference.”

The Mental Health Awareness – Level 1 online course is available here: https://www.wellbeinginsport.com/

This Mental Health Awareness e-learning module (Level 1) is recognised as a prerequisite to the Sport NI Reaching Out Through Sport – Mental Health Awareness workshop for Adults (Level 2) course and Mental Health First Aid (Level 3).

For further information please contact Sport NI: wellbeinginsport@sportni.net

For more information contact:

Maura McMenamin, Ulster GAA Community & Health Manager – maura.mcmenamin.ulster@gaa.ie or 07393296285