I’ve always known that I have Manx in my DNA. My grandfather was a ‘Manxman’ from what the locals call ‘Sunset City’ Peel on the west coast and my mother lived on the island in her childhood, but it had always been a subconscious, dormant feeling. Until 2020 when a LinkedIn connection Dr Rich Sille appeared on the horizon asking for help.
That led to helping create a mental health strategy for the Talent Pathway of young Manx athletes – “SportAid” Sport Aid (isleofmansport.com).
Whilst I could have written the strategy on my own I knew it would only end up ‘in the cloud’ gathering dust. For it to be sustainable it had to be ‘owned’ by others especially on the Isle of Man so despite this being in lockdown Rich and I brought together parents, athletes, ex athletes, coaches, sport science to collaborate together. I was also delighted to introduce the TEAMmate service from DOCIAsport partner Switch The Play, offering a triage support service from suitably qualified professionals in sport.
“Isle of Man Sport Aid provides the Island’s high performing athletes with the support, training and facilities necessary to realise their full potential.“
Isle of Man Sport understands that sustainable high-level performance, in sport and life outside sport, is built on a foundation of good mental health and wellbeing. They are committed to:
- tackling stigma around mental health,
- maintaining a support structure that recognises mental fitness and physical fitness to be of equal importance,
- creating an environment that allows everyone involved with the Isle of Man Sport Aid programme to flourish.
The work with Isle of Man Sport has moved on. Working with Paul Jones, the Sports Performance
Co-ordinator for the government body, I have set up an Athlete Advisory Board who are growing into a pivotal role. On the one hand they will be there to offer advice, support and guidance to the SportAid athletes, on the other they will also be contributing to fulfilling the ambition to be a world leading talent pathway.
I regard the opportunity I have as a privilege. From a professional perspective this is Isle of Man Sport demonstrating true Duty of Care In Action and I have an opportunity to work with others to bring this to life and offer my insight based on the various roles I have had in sport to date. That’s applying my brain. But this work has also enabled me to apply my heart too as I have realised the importance of my Celtic wiring to me.
Last week I was across the water on the island for a meeting with the Sports Performance Team and the latest meeting of the Athlete Advisory Board. So I took my brain! But I also took my heart and my daughter because she had never been to Ellan Vannin (Manx Celtic for the Isle of Man) as I wanted to show her the beauty of the island and where her grandma lived and Fenella beach where her grandparents’ ashes are spread. I have come to feel grounded and supported when I am on the island, just like I feel when I’m in the North of England. It’s a good place ‘to be.’
Take and give care
Check out these useful links:
Sport Aid (isleofmansport.com)
TEAMmate Emotional Support and Mental Health Service | Switch The Play