Being active, and paddlesport in particular, isn’t just good for our physical health; it’s also proven to have a positive effect on our mental health and wellbeing. 

Yet we know that people experiencing a mental health problem can find it difficult to participate in physical activity and sport. 

Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport aims to improve equality and reduce discrimination for anyone with a mental health problem.

The SCA joins 402 signatories that have pledged their support to the charter since the launch in 2018; organisations from grassroots clubs to elite sporting bodies, using our collective power to ensure that there is no barrier to engaging, participating and achieving in physical activity and sport.

The SCA are committed to promoting paddlesport as a positive activity that can support participants physical and mental well-being, and to improving equality and reducing discrimination for people with mental ill health.

We are working to reduce barriers to participation in paddlesport and to increase the sense of connection people can gain from taking part in our sport. Signing the charter will help cement and celebrate this commitment, showing our members and paddlers in Scotland that we are serious about this intent, and increase our accountability to these aspirations. 

As a signatory, we are committed to the following:

• Actively promoting inclusive practice and ensuring a positive and welcoming environment for all.
• Developing inclusive policies and practices which are informed by the inclusion of mental health in strategic planning.
• Actively encouraging participation and promoting messages focusing on the benefits of physical activity on mental health.
• Participating in Scotland’s Mental Health Charter Network supporting meaningful collaboration, sharing resources and best practise.
• Routinely reviewing performance and identifying ways to improve working in relation to mental health. 

Now that the SCA is a signatory, we are working on our Mental Health Charter Action Plan for the next two years. 

The SCA’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Equality Group supports and steers our work around this, so if you’d like to get involved get in touch now!

More on Mental Health and Wellbeing, and paddlesports.