Back in 2021, Westfield Health and Dame Kelly Holmes Trust launched a four-year charitable partnership focusing on improving the health and wellbeing of young people across the region, with the help of world class athlete mentors from a variety of sporting backgrounds.
We were recently joined by four such athlete mentors — Paul Broadbent (Rugby League), Adam Whitehead (Swimming), Neil Danns (Skateboarding) and Henry Cookey (Taekwondo) — at our Sheffield HQ to not only talk about the effect that the On Track to Achieve programme has on young people, but the impact it has for them as mentors too.
Unlocking skills with athlete mentors
So, what is the On Track to Achieve (OTTA) programme?
The OTTA programme is a wellbeing programme based in schools to help young people explore their own health and wellbeing, showing them how to set goals and break problems down into smaller steps so things that once seemed impossible can seem achievable.
It’s all about giving young people the confidence to take these steps and be able to make a positive impact on themselves and wider community in the years to come. The consistency of the OTTA sessions led by an athlete mentor help participants to be aware of their potential, work towards goals and grow their skills through this mentorship.
“They’ve got [the skills] in their locker, but we want to build on them. A lot of young people don’t think they’ve got a good skillset until they start to identify them and become aware of them.”
Neil Danns
By encouraging the young people to come out of their comfort zone, it gives them the opportunity to grow and have a higher regard for self-worth.
Role modelling behaviour
Athletes have proven leadership qualities, positive mind-set and communication skills that make them exceptional role models for young people. To become an athlete mentor, they undergo training to turn the skills that enabled them to excel at their sport into the ability to champion and coach young people to reach their full potential.
The athlete mentors are experts in planning and executing wellbeing tactics to optimise their physical and mental health for success. By sharing their knowledge and experiences from their sporting success, they inspire young people to see how far dedication and motivation can take you.
“Anything that challenges you – that takes you out of your comfort zone – if you face it head on and give it a go, you’ll surprise yourself. Nine times out of ten the challenges aren’t quite as daunting as they seem.”
Paul Broadbent
Looking after physical wellbeing
We all know that physical activity and healthy eating are key tools in supporting our body and improving our mental health. While mental and physical health support might appear to be separate challenges, research consistently shows that physical activity is the number one intervention for improving mental health.
One way the athlete mentors put this into practice is recording on-demand webinars with tips to help young people achieve their physical fitness goals and look after their own health. This provides consistent, accessible support that continues to engage people to stay motivated and learn tips to increase their overall wellbeing.
Young people aged fourteen and over found a 70% increase in their wellbeing through being part of the programme.
Sporting professionals giving insights into maintaining a healthy lifestyle, wellbeing and stress management can improve mood, self-esteem and confidence levels. By learning these habits at an early stage, young people will be equipped with the tools for a happier, healthier life.