Find Your Team

Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said:

Getting active – everything from a walk with a friend to organised team sports – is vital to both our physical and mental wellbeing.

Sport and physical activity is also a great way to meet new people or spend time with others. It’s also often a time when we can have an honest chat about what's on our minds – and we know that a conversation around mental health can be life-changing.

Read more about the launch here.

Taking part in a sport or in physical activity is a great way to connect with new people and #FeelPartofSomething. It's a great way to meet others, feel a sense of belonging and work together towards a new goal. 

There are so many ways to get active!

This might be through a walking or jogging group, trying a run club or reconnecting with a sport you used to enjoy. Or take the chance to try something completely different and new that you've thought looks fun. You could go for a walk with a friend, or join a new sports club - there's so much opportunity to find what works for you. 

Finding an activity

Trying a new sport or activity is a great way to meet new people and find something you enjoy. Being active can help to reduce stress, support your mental and physical wellbeing, increase connections with others, boost your confidence and give you a sense of achievement.  

If you're not sure where to start, here's a few tips: 

• Think about what you'd like to do and what you'd like to get out of it - there are lots of options for all ability levels. If a particular sport has caught your eye, you can find out more from sportscotland's Sport A-Z. 
• If you're just getting started, start small. You could look for a scaled equivalent of the sport or activity you want to try. 
• Look at what's on in your local area:
  • Check out what your local community centre offers
  • Look out for posters or information in the local paper
  • Drop into local gyms and ask for more information
  • Check local posters, keep an eye on Facebook/Instagram pages
  • Ask friends and colleagues for ideas
  • Search online for what you're looking for
• Try out some taster sessions - find something you enjoy! Lots of clubs, teams, gyms and groups offer free taster sessions and are actively looking for new members, so why not test a few things out?
• At schools, ask your Active Schools Coordinator or Young Ambassadors
• Consider joining up with a friend, colleague or family member! Maybe they’re already part of a group which you could go along to, or maybe they’re also keen to try something new! 

We've also got some tips on prepared for your first session at a new club/group here.

Tips for clubs and groups 

Going along to a session for the first time can be daunting, but we've got some tips to make it as welcoming as possible. Find out more about our tips for clubs to find and support new members here.

Scotland's Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport 

Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport aims to improve equality and reduce discrimination for anyone with a mental health problem. Find out more here and find the clubs signed up to the charter here.