Helping Mind understand the mental health needs of elite athletes
In 2021, Mind re-commissioned Fiveways to follow up research we had previously done in 2014 to assess the progress sporting bodies had made in responding to, managing, and preventing mental health problems amongst elite athletes. Our report can be found here.
Richard and the team have been incredibly flexible, patient and understanding working with me to navigate the inevitable hurdles of involving so many partners. They delivered exactly what we needed – high quality, bespoke insight reports to appeal to our key audiences and help Mind lobby for change. I would definitely recommend Fiveways to other charities.
Our evaluation included
Fiveways conducted over twenty semi-structured depth interviews with individuals working within eight sports (Boxing, Canoeing, Rowing, Swimming, Football, Rugby Union, Rugby League, and Cricket). These individuals represented governing bodies, player organisations, and other elite sport organisations such as UK Coaching and the English Institute of Sport.
We also interviewed elite athletes who had experienced mental health problems and conducted desk research to find instances when sportspeople had spoken publicly about their mental health.
Our evaluation revealed
Since 2014 the development, resourcing, and implementation of strategies to support elite athletes’ mental health has increased.
These strategies, now embedded within sporting bodies, have reduced the stigma sports people face when experiencing mental health problems and driven a large increase in demand for support.
The research also revealed some groups that may be underserved in terms of mental health support, namely coaches, professional sportswomen, and officials.