Somerset Cricket Board are looking to establish a network of volunteers across the County called Mental Health Ambassadors.  The Office of National Statistics (ONS) data from June 2020* shows that almost one in five adults were likely to be experiencing some form of depression during the coronavirus pandemic, nearly double the pre-pandemic level, made it clear that mental health and wellbeing was an area where help was and will continue to be needed.

We are looking to pilot the project with 16 people who want to undertake this role in their club. Could this be you?

On Tuesday 23rd March @ 7.30pm – 8.00pm we are holding an information evening so you can find out more about the role of a Mental Health Ambassador.    if you would like to register for this evening, please click the ‘book here’ link: Book Here

The Mental Health Ambassador role is to:

  • Promote mental health and wellbeing throughout their cricket club
  • Support members who need to talk to someone and signpost to services
  • Provide crisis contacts to their club/members
  • Make links with mental health organisations in the community

The Mental Health Ambassador role would suit someone with:

  • An open and non judgmental attitude
  • Adopt a positive, patient and supportive approach towards supporting people
  • Be a positive role model
  • have lived experience or, either personally, or supporting a close friend or family member (this is not essential, but will help with empathising some of the difficulties faced by members you could be speaking to)

We want our Mental Health Ambassadors to:

  • Support: listening and signposting  members within their club to access appropriate support
  • Promote: actively share and promote local and national mental health campaigns to break the stigma surrounding mental health
  • Engage: Link with local organisations that support mental health and your local community encouraging people to join and play.

As a Mental Health Ambassador you will receive: 

  • Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health Training (6 hour course and an assessment)
  • Safeguarding training
  • A planning and next steps webinar
  • Bi monthly support to share best practice and ask questions of professionals working in mental health
  • Twice yearly training on various themes to support your role
  • Access to material to help you with the promotion of your role within your club and to resources to share within your club.

What a Mental Health Ambassador will not do: 

Mental Health Ambassador will not provide individual support for people experiencing mental health problems or who are in crisis.  Our Ambassadors will know who can though and will know how to contact them.  Our Ambassador will signpost individuals to services that can help.

If you are interested in finding out more, why not join us on  Tuesday 23rd March @ 7.30pm.    Register for this evening: by clicking the book here link; Book Here