Live Active Sport in partnership with sportscotland and the Gannochy Trust is pleased to launch a new Sport for Change Network, in Perth City.

The aim of the network is to address inequalities that prevent local people accessing quality sport and physical activity opportunities. Network clubs in 2023 will develop projects that focus specifically on the theme of improving mental wellbeing.

The network is supported with £5,000 of funding thanks to the Gannochy Trust to help clubs to develop or continue projects that will support mental health awareness and wellbeing initiatives.

Gemma Simpson, Sport Development Officer for Live Active Leisure said:

“Participation in regular physical activity has been proven to improve self-esteem and reduce stress and anxiety. Sports clubs are therefore vitally important to help raise awareness, tackle mental health stigmas, and support members going through tough times. We are also delighted at how well our clubs have embraced the network and shown commitment to working together to support the wellbeing of local people.
Throughout 2023, we will continue to support clubs with training opportunities, resources, sharing of knowledge and funding to help them be able to support their membership."

Clubs who have been invited to join the network are Perthshire Rugby, Jeanfield Swifts Football Club, Perth Phoenix Allstars Cheerleading, Adventure Circus, Fair City Juniors Football Club, Perth Parrots Floorball Club, Glenearn Badminton Club, Perth Strathtay Harriers.

One of the actions of network clubs was to sign up to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport, through the Scottish Association of Mental Health (SAMH). Being a Charter signatory shows commitment to improving equality and reducing discrimination for anyone with a mental health problem. Signatories receive access to free training courses and resources that can be used as part of their training sessions. For example it might be a game that clubs already play, but the club will get tips to play the game but using mental health language.

Steph McLean, SAMH Achieving Active Lives Programme Manager said:

“It’s excellent to see the Sport for Change Network launching in Perth, and we’re delighted that wellbeing is such a strong focus of the initiative. The benefits of physical activity and sport are vast, but time and time again we hear that it is the mental health impact that makes a real difference to people’s lives.

“Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport aims to facilitate this, by supporting clubs and organisations to create a safe, welcoming environment for all, and ensure that there are no barriers to taking part and achieving, whatever your goal.”

Speaking about the network, Fair City Juniors Football Club said:

“Strong roots build a forest. By working together, we can all help to find solutions to the issues, and along the way, build skills, feed trust, and develop respect between us all”.

Ashleigh Kesson from Perth Phoenix Allstars Cheerleading said:

“This is honestly the best group I have been part of since starting our club. It’s been great getting to meet others who run clubs in the area and even the general sharing of ideas has helped us develop our club. The funding we received has impacted many in our club and local area, and we could not have moved things as far forward as we have without this network.”

“With the way things are with mental health for so many now, sport is definitely a key factor in supporting others and making it more manageable. Without the sport for change network I don’t think we would be as informed as we are now. This network has been exactly what was needed.”

As well as moving forward with their individual projects, the network has aims to link with local partners and be part of existing wellbeing events, so that local people can try activities as well as find out about network clubs, network partners and support services.

To be involved in the network, you can get in touch by emailing Logan and Gemma via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Picture: Network clubs together at a network event, with guest speaker Linda Fiskin of Linda’s Ladies support group, at the North Inch Community Campus, Wednesday 22 February.

About the Sport for Change Network

As part of the network, Live Active Sport Development Officers will bring clubs together to:

• Learn about Sport for Change and the inclusion methods from sportscotland’s Changing Lives Leaders Programme
• Benefit from free mental health learning opportunities such as mental health awareness training and mental health first aid training
• Sign up to the Scottish Association of Mental Health (SAMH) Mental Health Charter and help to promote this to our wider club network
• Help share the positive messages behind Sport for Change projects with the wider sport club network in Perth & Kinross through case studies of projects.

WATCH OUR NETWORK VIDEO

Which clubs are part of the network?
Perthshire Rugby, Jeanfield Swifts Football Club, Perth Phoenix Allstars Cheerleading, Adventure Circus, Fair City Juniors Football Club, Perth Parrots Floorball Club, Glenearn Badminton Club, Perth Strathtay Harriers.

What is Sport for Change?
Sport for change is using physical activity and sport intentionally to bring about positive benefits for individuals and communities, to address specific needs.

Why target mental health?
Poor mental health is an important public health challenge and significant mental health inequalities exist in Scotland. Improving the mental health and wellbeing of the population is a national priority because this is recognised as having a positive effect on many different aspects of society. Source Public Health Scotland.

In Perth, the Stronger Communities Network in August 2022 noted that support services had seen a noticeable increase in mental health issues with people, with third sector services stepping up to help those in need in the community.

The Stronger Communities Network also noted that more needs to be done with children in school to support mental health and wellbeing (confidence, self-esteem), preventing issues later on in adult life – using a variety of early intervention and prevention approaches.

What is the Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport?
Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport aims to empower physical activity and sport communities to improve equality and reduce discrimination, ensuring mental health and wellbeing is not a barrier to physical activity and sport. The new initiative, which is part of the Charter, is aimed at club and community organisations and asks them to make four commitments:

• Promote inclusive practice around mental health and wellbeing
• Embrace inclusion & create a positive & welcoming culture
• Collaborate & contribute to the Charter network by sharing learning
• Reflect on impacts & achievements in supporting people’s mental health & wellbeing