Former shadow minister for mental health, Tim Loughton MP (East Worthing and Shoreham) has pledged to become a Champion for the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation.
A recent poll found that 80% of people agreed their mental health is improved if they exercise or are physically active.
Tim welcomed the Government’s commitment to putting mental health on an equal footing with physical health; as 1 in 4 people in the UK experience a mental health problem each year, it is vital that we attach the same importance to something that touches so many lives.
Tim said:
“I believe that the sport and recreation sector can support Government in ensuring physical activity is a central pillar in achieving this commitment.
“My support for the Mental Health Charter for Sport and Recreation comes just before its one-year anniversary. Since its launch in 2015, the Charter now has over 230 signatories all committed to making positive change around mental health, from grassroots to elite level.
“I look forward to helping raise the profile of the Charter and tackling stigma around mental health through sport and recreation.”