Child Protection in Sport Unit calls on organisations to raise awareness of suicide.
The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) is urging sports organisations across the country to use whatever forums they have to help raise awareness and understanding of suicide amongst young people within their membership.
The CPSU recommends that all sports organisations, clubs and wider networks implement the following as part of their safeguarding policy:
- Aim to encourage open discussions promoting mental health awareness
- Encourage clubs to have a culture of listening to children and young people and responding appropriately to signs of problems
- Take measures to ensure that everyone, from coaches to volunteers and parents, understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding, and are provided with full training
- Encourage coaches and club officials to attend suicide awareness training
- Ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents or concerns of mental illness, and ensure support is available to the individual(s) who raise the concern.
ChildLine agree that all sports organisations are ideally placed to help protect vulnerable children and young people: "Although many young people would prefer to turn to other young people for support, it is the responsibility of adults within a club to ensure that no young person feels they have to carry this burden alone. Often all a young person will want is to be able to talk to someone who will listen and respect them, making it so important that sports and activity providers nurture the development of a culture of respect."
To help you promote a culture of vigilance in your organisation, club or network, please have a look at EduCare for Sport, an online learning service containing up to 11 safeguarding and duty of care course.
Visit the EduCare for Sport website to trial or buy.
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