European Alliance for Sport and Mental Health
▶Summary
Background According to a review of studies and data from all member states of the European Union issued by the “EBC” and the “ECNP”, mental disorders affect more than 160 million Europeans each year – 38% of the population. Scientific evidence highlights how sport and physical activity may be effective in preventing mental health problems, treating them and enhancing the quality of life of people affected. Sport improves physical health, enhances mood and self-esteem, and encourages socialization. Objectives - Create and deliver learning modules for sports coaches that allow them to acquire the knowledge to work with people with mental disorders- Implement pilot actions in some partners' countries with psychiatric patients followed by the trained coaches- Create a European alliance of mental health and sports stakeholders interested in the project aims- Increase the awareness of public institutions and policymakers about the needs of more resources for physical activity in Mental Health Services Implementation After a first phase of investigation to understand the needs of EU entities implementing sports activities for mental health, partners created 6 training modules aimed at sports coaches to allow them in following psychiatric patients in structured exercise. 8 coaches were trained and started as many pilot actions in 4 countries with 96 patients. All data from pilots were analysed and published in an academic paper. The consortium has created the EASMH network with 152 EU stakeholders (to date). Achievements - 1 Investigation Review- 4 webinars about mental health services in Italy, UK, Finland and Romania- 6 learning modules delivered to 8 sport coaches- 1 toolkit for coaches- 8 pilots with 96 patients in Italy, UK, Finland and Romania- 14 interviews to sport and mental health professionals - 1 academic paper on project results- EQF4 certification for sport coaches- 6 TPMs - 7 MSEs in 5 countries- 30 project works with La Sapienza University of Rome- EASMH network with 152 stakeholders