A SCHEME aimed at getting people with mental health problems into sport is being devised in Northumberland.

Gordon Allan, of Ponteland, is spearheading an initiative looking for volunteers to work with people with mental health issues, encouraging them to participate in a sport or be more physically active.

Mr Allan lost his wife Sally at Christmas in 2015, and it later transpired she took her own life after keeping her problems to herself.

He has since worked closely with health professionals and mental health organisations to help raise awareness of mental health, and the latest scheme is aimed at emphasising the benefits of physical exercise on people’s mental health.

The project is in advanced stages of a funding bid with Sport England through its volunteer grant scheme to support a three-year scheme, and interested volunteers need to express their interest before August 7.

Mr Allan said: “The inspiration for the project came after I lost Sally, and I spent a lot of time trying to understand what had happened, and why. I was trying to cope with my grief and bereavement, and getting outdoors and being active helped me.Reports from NHS and Public Health England say physical exercise is good for people’s mental health, but, looking around, it was hard to find support and engagement for people.

“This project is needed to close a gap in mental health provision. Individuals with mental health issues can benefit from physical activity, it can aid recovery, improve resilience and help mental well-being.

“However, while physical activity can be recommended by health professionals, the individual can often see barriers preventing participation.

“The project aims to tackle this problem by recruiting, training and supporting volunteers who will act as a bridge between health professionals and those organisations providing sports and other organised physical activities.”

While Mr Allan is the driving force behind the project and the funding bid coordinator, it will be jointly led by Active Northumberland and charities Mental Health Matters and Tyneside and Northumberland Mind.

Hexham, along with Alnwick, has been identified as an ideal base to roll the project out, but it is proposed that the entire Tyne Valley will fall under its remit.

The programme will offer full support and mental health awareness to volunteers, whether club members, coaches or leaders, as many people find it difficult talking about their issues.

This will then lead volunteers to pass on the understanding of mental health to other club members, and break down barriers for people to participate in sessions.

Mr Allan stressed, though, that people would not be trained as mental health advisors.

He said: “The training would focus exclusively on building your own mental health awareness so you can best communicate, encourage and build the confidence of people with mental health issues.”

Mr Allan is being supported in the project by Kathie Keady, Active Northumberland’s sports development manager for the west of the county.

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering can contact Kathie on (01670) 622369 or email: kkeady@activenorthumberland.org.uk.

david.coulter@hexham-courant.co.uk