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Ulster University, in partnership with leading charity State of Mind Ireland, is rolling out a pioneering student mental health initiative that uses sport to improve mental health awareness and reduce the stigma associated with seeking treatment.

The new Ulster University initiative uses sport as a setting for communicating healthy lifestyle messages around mental health, substance misuse and risk-taking behaviours. It involves group discussion on mental fitness, the practice of mindfulness and practical steps to enhance physical activity. It also uses athletes as mental health ambassadors to reduce the stigma attached to mental health issues.

This project is supported by the School of Sport, Student Support Services, Students Union and the Public Health Agency.
Those involved included: PI Dr Gavin Breslin, Tandy Haughey, Gerry Leavey Norma Patterson and Drew Neill.