Olympian endorses campaign to tackle social isolation through group sport
We have joined forces with SAMH and sportscotland to launch campaign ‘Find Your Team’ backed by Olympic medallist, swimmer Duncan Scott.
‘Find Your Team’ encourages everyone to get involved in group sport or physical activity to help overcome feelings of social isolation and promote mental wellbeing.
No matter your age, capability or experience, everyone has the opportunity to find their team and feel part of something. As many look to create new routines after the summer, this is a great time to join a local group, take up a new hobby or get back into an old sport or physical activity.
Seven-time Olympic medallist, Duncan Scott, has proudly endorsed the campaign. Speaking about why being part of a team is important to him, he said:
Throughout my swimming career, my team have been fundamental. Whether it’s the other swimmers in a relay team, the wider group in Team GB or my coaching team in Stirling; they have always been so important in providing support and helping drive my performance.
Although swimming can be seen as an individual sport, the importance and benefits of being a part of a team have never been lost on me. At the very start of my swimming journey, I found a real sense of enjoyment and confidence being a part of my local swim club and it was a great opportunity to meet new people, pursue an activity that I was passionate about and keep physically active.
Being an ambassador for 'Learn to Swim' I have seen how many people have benefited from taking part in great programmes like this. Whether you are trying a new sport or activity for the first time or getting back into a sport you used to enjoy, remember that the people you meet on this journey will be there for you - and there's a team out there for everyone.
Finding a group, club or team: There are so many ways to get active with other people, you could join a local walking or jogging group, or reconnect with a team sport you used to do. If you’re not sure where to start or feel nervous about trying a new activity, check out our top tips.
Get your club or group involved: Local clubs and activities can encourage people to sign up by making time for an informal chat before or after sessions. You can find some ways for your club to get involved in the campaign via our campaign toolkit and tips for clubs.
Young Scot CEO, Kirsten Urquhart said:
In a world that can feel disconnected, it's more important than ever to build communities where everyone feels they belong. 'Find Your Team' is about highlighting the opportunities through sport and physical activity to create those connections, boost mental health, support one another and ensure that no one has to face their challenges alone. Together, we can empower young people to find their team, their voice, and their place in the world.
We are proud to partner with sportscotland and SAMH to promote the incredible power of sport and activity to help young people discover the mental health benefits of team sport and take part in positive and fulfilling experiences.
Chief Executive of SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) Billy Watson said:
Getting active – everything from a walk with a friend to organised team sports – is vital to both our physical and mental wellbeing. Sport and physical activity is also a great way to meet new people or spend time with others. It’s often a time when we can have an honest chat about what's on our minds – and we know that a conversation around mental health can be life-changing. That’s why we’re excited to be partnering with sportscotland and Young Scot on this campaign.Now is the perfect time to try something new.
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop said:
Looking after both your physical and mental wellbeing has been shown to be extremely important for your overall health. The Find Your Team campaign aims to provide people of all ages and abilities a platform to participate in some form of sport or physical activity that they enjoy and makes them feel good.A key part of the enjoyment of sport and physical activity is being surrounded by like-minded people who provide you with a sense of belonging.
There are many ways to get active with other people and there’s a group out there for everyone, so take the opportunity to find what works for you. It has been fantastic to work in partnership with great organisations like SAMH and Young Scot, as we are able to share these messages as widely as possible and ensure that every person across the country feels part of this campaign.