Every September, Berkeley Foundation promotes Sportember – a celebration of the powerful role sport plays in reducing inequalities, promoting health and wellbeing, and positively impacting young people in our communities.
45% of UK adults feel that their mental health and wellbeing can be improved through physical activity, but 17% say that stress is preventing them from moving more. This rises to almost one in three (30%) of young people aged 18-24.
Sport is a powerful antidote to stress, anxiety and depression. Research commissioned by Sport England showed that ‘there was strong and consistent evidence that sport and physical activity interventions had positive effects on the diagnosed mental health problems of children and young people.’
Through our charity partnerships, we see that it can also be a catalyst for personal growth, mental resilience, and inclusion.
Even watching sports can have benefits for mental health - which we saw when we offered Crystal Palace tickets to a group of bereaved dads supported by ellenor children’s hospice – giving them the opportunity to bond over sport and lived experience.
Developing life skills through sport
For young people, being active can help to build healthy habits that last a lifetime; but sport is also a masterclass in life skills. It teaches discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Facing challenges on the pitch mirrors the challenges of life - learning both to win and lose, and to keep going when things get tough.
Several of our partnerships use sport as a tool for change. Programmes like Super 1s, delivered by our Strategic Partner Lord’s Taverners, brings young people together to play cricket, make friends, and feel part of a team. The skills players develop help them in their wider lives too.
Charlie lives with autism, ADHD and complex post-traumatic stress disorder, and has struggled in school and with building friendships. He discovered Super 1s in 2023, and two years later Charlie is both playing and coaching cricket – and looking for further opportunities:
“Through Super 1s, I was given the tools to rebuild my life and opportunities I never thought possible. They even provided me with employability skills training and work experience at the Oval.”
Building stronger communities (and workplaces!)
We’ve all seen how a football tournament can bring a country together – thanks Lionesses! On a smaller scale, we can promote inclusivity and build a stronger community by hosting regular or one-off events at work, all whilst helping colleagues to keep active.
Throughout September, colleagues across Berkeley Group have taken part in a Step-tember challenge, organised a cricket tournament at The Oval, mastered a golf competition and ran The Big Half Marathon. We’re really grateful to everyone who takes part in the events, raising both awareness of our charity partners and vital funds for organisations.