Sporting Minds UK
1610. Callum Lea
Callum Lea, from Wolverhampton, founded ‘Sporting Minds UK’ which has supported over 450 young sports people with mental health care and has created a community to open up the conversation around mental health.
Callum, a former Worcestershire Academy cricketer, set up the charity after suffering from his own mental health challenges. His work is supported by high-profile sports stars such as Dame Kelly Holmes, and the charity has partnered with ‘Bupa Healthcare’ to provide one-to-one mental health support for young sportspeople, which has been particularly vital throughout the pandemic.
In a personal letter to Callum, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I was inspired to hear about ‘Sporting Minds UK’ and how you have used your own experiences to raise mental health awareness for young athletes. Whether it is through your online support groups or one-to-one counselling sessions, you have started brave and honest conversations with hundreds of young people.
“At a time when we need to focus on our physical and mental wellbeing more than ever, I am delighted that your charity is doing just that.”
Callum said:
“To be recognised by the Prime Minister for this award is the biggest honour of my life. To think that the Prime Minister of Great Britain supports and believes in what we are doing with ‘Sporting Minds UK’ is an overwhelming feeling. Mental health issues should not be faced alone so that’s why myself and the charity’s team will continue to work as hard as we can to ensure all young athletes have the mental health support they need.”