The Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) have delivered multiple mental health education workshops to academies throughout England and Wales to address mental wellbeing and the role that social media plays on mental health.
Mind Matters Education
Since the beginning of 2018 the PCA has teamed up with the mental health charity, Mind to deliver workshops and educational sessions about mental wellbeing to professional cricket academies across England and Wales.
The ‘Mind Fit’ workshops, provided by Hammersmith & Fulham Mind cover mental wellbeing and understanding and supporting mental health with a focus on the younger generation of sportsmen and sportswomen.
The five aims of the ‘Mind Fit’ workshop cover the following:
- What is mental health?
- Why is it important to talk about mental health?
- When to seek support
- How to manage stress and support wellbeing
- Where to get support
The PCA Professional Cricketers’ Trust is responsible for financially supporting the Professional Cricketers’ Association Personal Development and Welfare programme and the Mind Fit workshops. The Mind Fit education is part of the PCA’s dedication to supporting members with their mental wellbeing in their careers and personal life.
Sporting chance
In 2020 the Professional Cricketers’ Trust and the sports mental health charity, Sporting Chance partnered up to provide mental health support and treatment after 85 members were diagnosed with mental wellbeing issues in 2019. The PCA and the trust carried out an independent mental wellbeing treatment and education review due to the sharp incline of members in need.
The trust therefore decided to extend their relationship with Sporting Trust to become their official partner for mental health services. This extension covers all professional cricketers in England and Wales who require mental health support.
As part of their extended service, Sporting Chance operates the PCA’s confidential helpline that is funded by the Professional Cricketers’ Trust. This line is available 24 hours per day and 365 days per year for all PCA members, whether they are retired or currently playing.
Social Media Workshop
In response to a fluctuation of PCA members reporting instances of online abuse, the PCA delivered educational workshops in 2021 to all cricketers in England and Wales, with the support of 27 partner businesses.
The workshops featured the overuse, abuse and addiction to social media and how it impacts mental health with the aim to educate cricket players on coping strategies. The workshops are exercise-focused, encouraging players to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of social media and how the different platforms affect their mental health.
Each session featured videos from former and current domestic and international cricket players who discuss their experiences with social media, whilst offering advice.
The PCA already offer comprehensive support and advice to their members which has since been enhanced by the specific focus on the impact of social media on mental health.