British Judo Association partners with Shout

Our parent charity Mental Health Innovations is pleased to partner with the British Judo Association to offer free, confidential mental health support by text message to junior and senior judoka and the wider judo community. 

The partnership forms part of British Judo’s new mental health and wellbeing strategy. Created with the support of the charity Mind, this aims to improve mental health support for anyone in the judo community through education and the provision of support services. It also aims to promote the positive mental health attributes that judo can bring to people’s wellbeing.

Hayley Jarvis, Head of Physical Activity for Mind, said: “We’re proud to be supporting British Judo to develop its strategy and action plan around mental health and applaud its new partnership with Shout. Providing athletes, both junior and senior, with additional ways to access support for their mental health is a key part of creating an environment where they are able not just to compete, but to thrive.”

Judo, like many sporting communities, has suffered tragic losses through mental ill health. The death of former world judo champion Craig Fallon of suicide in 2019 had a significant impact on the judo family and British Judo is focussed on supported the mental health and wellbeing of all members, athletes and staff.

Fitzroy Davies, British Judo world champion, instructor and coach of Craig, said: "It's great to see British Judo taking action to protect the mental health and wellbeing of our community and athletes. The anonymous nature of the Shout text service is great as it means people can reach out silently and take the time they need to express how they're feeling."

Sami Smithson, Head of Inclusion, Safeguarding and Wellbeing at British Judo has been the driving force behind the partnership. Speaking about the launch of the dedicated keyword, Sami said: “It is fantastic to be the first National Governing Body to offer a Shout keyword to its members. I would like to thank MHI for their support in getting to this point and look forward to working together to support our judo community.”

To access support at any time, text the word ‘JUDO’ to 85258.