Tackling the Blues is a sport, physical activity and education based mental health awareness programme targeting young people aged 6-16 who are experiencing, or are at risk of, developing mental illness. The programme is run in partnership with Everton in the Community and Edge Hill University, and to date has engaged over 300 young people across primary schools, secondary schools and community groups.

Tackling the Blues offers a range of interactive and engaging activities to recruit young people who, once engaged, participate in tailored educational and peer-led activities to tackle experiences of conditions associated with mental illness, such as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. These weekly coaching and classroom based sessions include competitive and non-competitive activities which have been associated with positive behaviour change among those experiencing mental illness. The project has involved extensive consultation with young people and education workers who act as project collaborators, help recruit participants, and deliver peer mentor workshops.

For more information about Tackling the Blues, please contact Jon Jones by emailing jonesjon@edgehill.ac.uk.