Young people face growing mental health challenges. In 2024, one in four 16 to 24-year-olds in England experienced a common mental health condition, and suicide remains the leading cause of death in people under 35. Despite the well-documented benefits of sport, comprehensive mental health support within sporting environments remains limited, and stigma, long waiting lists and not knowing where to turn stop many from getting help.

Brave Mind takes mental health support into the places young people feel safe: sports clubs, schools and community settings. Our Gold Standard Programme is a structured, seven-step journey led by a sport psychologist, using sport as the starting point for conversations young people might not otherwise have. It combines sessions for young people with training for coaches and parents, building the confidence, language and tools to support mental wellbeing and know when to step in.