S2 E8 - Mental Health and the Return to Paddlesports with Darren Clarkson

In this weeks episode away from our miniseries' Ben Woodruff and Darren Clarkson discuss something very current in both the world of paddling and the world overall; mental health and wellbeing. Currently 1 in 4 people experience various mental health conditions in the UK annually, with covid-19 and the three lockdown's having a further negative impact on our mental wellbeing as a nation. In the episode we discuss mental health, how we can highlight how to move forward looking at supporting people as they return to paddlesport and how we can develop strategies to help with anxiety, stress and other feelings among other things. Before you listen just a pre-warning: on this podcast we discuss some sensitive subjects around mental health, with some things that may be triggers for those suffering mental health conditions. It’s an important conversation that’s becoming more and more pertinent, but please only listen if you can.

 

You can download the episodes transcript here.

 

Struggling with mental health?

If you or anyone you know is suffering with their mental health please seek help:

• Mind
• Calm
• NHS or see your GP
• Samaritans
• Mental Health Foundation
• Counselling

Want to learn more?

Want to learn more about how to support your paddlers or those around you with their mental health? Visit the below:

• Open University
• Mind
• BBC
• NHS
• Mental Health Foundation

Supporting paddlers

As part of our continual commitment to support paddlers we are offering a service for anyone who has witnessed, been involved or has been affected by a paddlesport incident. Please use the contact details on the British Canoeing Safety page if you would like to talk to one of our trained TRIM Practitioners who can offer support and signpost to an appropriate agency.