Off the back of World Mental Health Day 2024, Sports Connect recruited Student Mental Health Ambassadors to help support their peers and contribute to a culture of well-being and inclusion.

Students applied, were selected and then supported through Mental Health Awareness training in order to be ready to fulfil the duties of the role.

Currently the ambassadors are beginning to plan a well-being project, that they will deliver for their education sites. There are exciting times ahead and we can’t wait to see how their projects come to life!

Jake – Whitstable Town Academy Student Mental Health Ambassador.

“Hello, my name is Jake I’m from the Whitstable Town FC scholarship. I decided to become an ambassador as during the time of this option being available to me, I was going through a tough period in my life where I was feeling quite down due to losing a close family member, however, I was coming out the bright side and was feeling a lot better. I wanted to become an ambassador to be able to help people through their struggles, the way I got through mine. I feel as though I have good knowledge in this area, and I am a good person to be able to talk to and help my peers and people around me”.

Antonio – Faversham Town Academy Student Mental Health Ambassador.

“Hello, I am Antonio, and I’m a Sports Connect student. The reason why I wanted to become a student mental health ambassador is because I believe I can help people who are struggling with anxiety or depression and don’t know where to get help. I already have friends who need support with their mental well-being, and I would like to encourage them/others to open up and seek help if they are struggling.

As a student mental health ambassador, my aim is to provide support to young people with mental health struggles by offering them helpful information about different support service groups and organisations such as: Mental Health Foundation, Young Minds, Anxiety UK, and Rethink Mental Illness”.

I wanted to be a student mental health ambassador because I know what it feels like when you feel like you have no one to turn too and that sometimes it’s hard to speak to an adult about our problems. So, when I heard of this position, I immediately signed up for it and I really look forward to helping people with their struggles and to do fun, game activities to get their mind away from their troubles. I am a very understanding person so when someone tells me their troubles I listen attentively and help them, firstly, by trying my best to support them and secondly, by getting their thoughts and minds off of it. Just to see them smile or laugh is better than seeing them down”.

Willow – Baypoint Student Mental Health Ambassador.

“Hi, it’s me Willow! A few things about myself are that I love doing sports and helping people enjoy it the way I do. I love gymnastics and the gym because it makes me feel happy when I do it and I like to help people/be happy in any way I can. This is so that they have a better day!

 

Ollie – Appleyard Student Mental Health Ambassador.

“I am a dedicated and compassionate college student, currently working towards a future in teaching. My passion lies in supporting young adults and individuals with disabilities, helping them overcome challenges and move forward in life. I became a student mental health ambassador to use my empathy and communication skills to provide guidance, encouragement, and a positive influence on those who need it most. Through my studies and personal experiences, I have developed a strong understanding of the importance of mental well-being in education. I am eager to create an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, heard, and supported. My goal is to combine my passion for teaching with my commitment to mental health advocacy, ensuring that students not only succeed academically but also develop the confidence and resilience to thrive in all aspects of life”.

Will – Aylesford Student Mental Health Ambassador.

Hi, my name is Will. I am a student here at Sports Connect Aylesford. I have always been interested in mental health, and when I found out about the course, I signed up for it straight away. For me personally, I have always struggled with anxiety on and off the pitch. I’ve always wanted to be able to help people who need help to improve their Mental Health. I want them to be aware of their mental health and be able to talk to someone, and now that I’m a mental health ambassador, I can be the person that they come to.