Sports in Canterbury are coming together to consider a change in culture - all part of broadening their appeal and acknowledging the contribution clubs can make to an individual's mental health and wellbeing.

"It's no longer sport for sport's sake," says Healthy Families Christchurch Manager Dave Jeffrey. "Sports play a pivotal role in mental health and wellbeing. Clubs are places where people connect and build resilience. Sports understand this role and are doing their part to consider how they can create a healthier environment for members."

Last week in Christchurch, 17 coaches and volunteers from 12 different sporting codes gathered at the University of Canterbury for a workshop headlined "Positive Club Culture." The workshop was a collaboration between Sport Canterbury and Healthy Families Christchurch, to "test the appetite" of local clubs for similar opportunities in the future.

The presenters were Jess McJorrow, Sport Canterbury Community Advisor and Holly Griffin, Healthy Families Christchurch Systems Innovator. Participants commented on key learnings, including how a proactive approach to wellbeing can provide a point of difference for clubs facing membership challenges.

"It's only to each club's benefit to take a wider interest in their members, as this creates a welcoming environment for new players and translates to success on the field.”

Since 2012, findings from the Canterbury Wellbeing Index have highlighted high levels of loneliness and social isolation experienced by 18 to 24 year olds in this region.  According to Jeffrey, New Zealand has a history of associating sporting success with a stoic approach, putting young men at particularly high risk for mental health issues.

“Sports have a great opportunity in reaching out to members and changing this culture.”

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