MHFA England joins forces with StreetGames for #21by21 campaign



This week, the StreetGames Conference and Awards 2019 saw the launch of the #21by21 campaign, which aims to train 21,000 sports coaches and youth workers in mental health awareness and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) skills by 2021. 

The initiative will bring together representatives from across the sporting, business, training, and policy-making sectors, including MHFA England, to help support the mental health and wellbeing of the UK’s disadvantaged young people.

StreetGames is a national charity creating positive change in the lives of disadvantaged young people across the UK through the power of sport. The organisation’s network of sports clubs help make young people and their communities healthier, safer and more successful.  

Chief Executive of MHFA England Simon Blake OBE said:

“Sport gave me a safe space as a young person, so I’m delighted that MHFA England have joined the #21by21 campaign. We have a responsibility to support harder to reach children with their mental health, and StreetGames clubs can provide a space where they can feel comfortable opening up. 

“By training coaches and youth workers in MHFA skills, they will be more likely to identify the signs and symptoms of children who may be struggling, guide them to the correct support if necessary, and help them grow into happy and healthy adults in their minds and their bodies.”  

The two-day conference was entitled ‘Healthier, Safer and More Successful - Building Stronger Communities through Sport and Physical Activity’. It featured a range of speakers from the public, sporting and charity sectors and several workshop sessions including a taster Youth Mental Health First Aid course. 

At the StreetGames Awards, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Award sponsored by MHFA England was won by Tyne Met College and the North East Sports Academies, for their work promoting positive mental health, reducing the stigma, and providing empowering social activities that improve both physical and mental health.

For more information head to the StreetGames website. 

Read more on Youth Mental Health First Aid training at mhfaengland.org/individuals/youth/.