We will deliver four interactive Mental Health Training Programmes to representatives from local sports clubs. Focusing on early intervention and reducing stigma, we will benefit attendees, volunteers and coaches. Each programme consists of six workshops, for 25 participants. Linking physical and mental health, we will build an actively supportive community in 100 organisations, benefitting 1000's of individuals in our community. 1. Mind Your Language – Understand language's impact on stigma. 2. Real Conversation – Create environments for open dialogue. 3. The Art of Listening – Develop active listening skills. 4. Identity – Foster empathy and team values. 5. FEAR – Overcome barriers to offering support. 6. Courage – Encourage authentic conversations. Participants will learn to better support themselves, help others appropriately and access professional resources. By normalising mental health conversation in sport we will enhance positive well-being and reduce crises.

What we'll deliver:

• Deliver four interactive mental health training programmes (6 workshops in each)
• 18+ hours of practical support for attendees to take away and use.
• A unique digital community for ongoing input and peer support.
• Equipping 100 individuals to support themselves and their organisations.
• Empowering 1000's of positive mental health conversations across grassroots sport.

Why it's a great idea:

This grant will help us deliver mental health training and support to grassroots sports in our area, reducing stigma, empowering volunteers, and boosting engagement. Our project will spark ongoing support across the local sports community. We know that mental health conversations can be tougher in certain communities such as BMAE. By partnering with diverse local organisations, we aim to break down more mental health barriers. As our training offers practical steps for managing mental health and supporting others we empower participants. We encourage open conversations during healthier times to prevent crises and build a supportive community. Grassroots sport often faces financial challenge, especially around training opportunities. This grant will help us reach more people by overcoming this barrier. Working closely with participants we will use digital channels, partnerships and local networks to widen our message, impacting 1000's of people via a positive mental health network.

Steps to get it done:

• Complete Training Course 1
• Complete Training Course 2
• Complete Training Course 3
• Complete Training Course 4

Founded as a legacy for a friend, Six Connections is a Community Interest Company dedicated to improving mental health awareness and support. Our mission is to facilitate open conversations, reduce stigma, and empower individuals through education and meaningful connections. Over the past two years, Six Connections has successfully delivered mental health workshops to corporate organisations across the UK. Our focus on early intervention has fostered positive cultures of care among employers and employees alike, extending the benefits of mental well-being beyond the workplace. Recognising the increasing mental health challenges, we have extended our support to a broader community space, expanding our training programmes to charities, non-profits and sports clubs. Our training model encourages participants to share positive mental health conversations beyond the confines of the workshops. This community-level impact is crucial for normalising discussions about mental health.