Mental Health

Mental Health Support & Wellbeing Resources

Supporting the mental wellbeing of players, volunteers, members, families, coaches, officials and safeguarding officers is an essential part of creating a safe, inclusive and supportive club environment.

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. The quick reference guide below provides immediate access to key services, with full descriptions and additional information further down the page.

Quick Reference Guide

Need help now? Use the services below for immediate support, advice or signposting.

Further information about each service can be found below.

Suffolk Cricket Mental Health First Aiders (Level 2): Lizzie Shaw, Andrew Blanchard, Ben Wallis, Eddie Green, Amy Richford, Louis Blanchard & Johan de Silva 

Urgent Mental Health Support

Call 999 immediately if there is an immediate risk to life or serious injury.

NHS 111 – Option 2 (Mental Health Crisis Line)

If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs urgent support, call NHS 111 and select Option 2.

This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and connects callers directly with trained mental health professionals who can provide advice, assessment and access to local crisis services.

The service can be used by:

• Adults and young people experiencing a mental health crisis
• Family members concerned about a loved one
• Friends, coaches, volunteers or safeguarding officers seeking urgent advice
• Anyone needing immediate mental health support that does not require an emergency 999 response

Mind

Mind is one of the UK’s leading mental health charities, providing advice, information, support and advocacy for people experiencing mental health difficulties.

Their services are available not only to those experiencing mental health challenges, but also to family members, carers, volunteers, coaches and safeguarding officers supporting others.

Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393

Provides: Information about mental health conditions. Guidance on treatment and support options. Information about local services. Signposting to specialist organisations

Mind Support Line: 0300 102 1234

A confidential listening service offering: Emotional support. Information and guidance. Signposting to additional services

Support for Cricket Clubs & Safeguarding Officers

Opening Up Cricket

Opening Up Cricket is a charity dedicated to improving mental wellbeing and preventing suicide through cricket.

The charity works with players, clubs, leagues, coaches and volunteers to encourage open conversations about mental health and reduce stigma across the cricket community.

They provide: Mental health awareness training. Educational resources. Club support materials. Guidance for volunteers and safeguarding officers. Signposting to specialist support services. This can be a valuable resource for clubs looking to strengthen their wellbeing and safeguarding provision.

Hub of Hope

Hub of Hope is the UK’s largest directory of mental health support services. 

Hub of Hope can be particularly useful for safeguarding officers who need to identify appropriate local support services for individuals.

The platform brings together NHS services, charities, community groups, peer support organisations and local mental health providers in one searchable location.

Features include:Search for support by postcode or location. Find local counselling and wellbeing services. Access crisis support information. Locate services for adults and young people. Free mobile app for quick access

Smiling Mind

Smiling Mind is a free mindfulness and mental wellbeing app designed to help people build healthy mental habits and improve emotional wellbeing.

The app offers: Guided mindfulness exercises. Meditation programmes. Stress management techniques. Sleep support resources. Tools to improve focus and resilience.

It is suitable for young people and adults and can be used as part of an overall wellbeing strategy alongside professional support where required.

Guidance for Safeguarding Officers

Safeguarding officers are often one of the first points of contact when concerns about mental health arise.

It is important to remember that safeguarding officers are not expected to act as counsellors or mental health professionals.

Your role is to:

• Listen calmly and without judgement
• Take concerns seriously
• Follow club safeguarding procedures
• Record and report concerns appropriately
• Encourage individuals to seek professional support
• Signpost to relevant services
• Contact emergency services where there is an immediate risk

If you are unsure how best to support someone, seek advice from your County Safeguarding Officer, NHS 111 Option 2, or an appropriate mental health support organisation.

Remember

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Early support and intervention can make a significant difference to an individual’s wellbeing and recovery.

Whether you are a player, parent, volunteer, coach, official or safeguarding officer, support is available and you do not have to face challenges alone.