England Golf is working with Mind and Mental Health First Aid England to launch a new initiative aimed at supporting better mental health in the golf community.

The programme, Fore Your Mind, will provide clubs and facilities with opportunities to support members with their mental health, courtesy of Mental Health First Aid England training and resources. 

Fore Your Mind will support golfers by signposting to various providers of mental health support services, including Mind and the NHS, while also giving golfers an insight into mental health, how they can look after their own, and how to spot the signs of poor mental health in their friends, family and colleagues.

This project also supports clubs, counties and facilities, with the aim of appointing at least one mental health first aider among their staff and volunteers. 

Bedfordshire County piloted the Fore Your Mind initiative in January, training up 15 Mental Health First Aiders for the clubs in the region. And the results have already shown that Fore Your Mind is having a promising impact on the golf community. 

Bedfordshire County Golf Secretary David Hawkins said: “Three years ago I went through a very difficult patch. I reached out to a friend who I knew had gone through some tough times himself, and he pointed me in the right direction. I received support and the sessions really helped me, to the point that I now give several hours a week to try and help others going through mental health problems. I reached out to England Golf and alongside the team there, we put a plan in place, using Bedfordshire as a pilot, and the results have been fantastic.

“In just a month, we’ve had over 25 key conversations with people coming to our first aiders, and several already seeking further support. This immediate impact shows the importance of having first aiders in place as soon as possible, because there are so many people out there who need somebody to talk to, and the reality is, it could save so many lives.”

If you or your club would like to know more, click here. If you would like to become a Mental Health First Aider, click here. 

Check out England Golf’s Health Hub, which includes Golf Fore Her, by clicking here.