Designing community sports-based programmes for men with mental illness: A qualitative study of the Offload rugby league programme. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilcock, Rachel; Smith, Andy; Haycock, David
• Is Part Of: Mental health and physical activity. Volume 20(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Brand -- Community settings -- Design characteristics -- Masculinities -- Mental health -- Tacit knowledge; Mental illness -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Depression, Mental -- Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; Anxiety -- Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2021.100386
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-2966

Abstract

Abstract: Despite the increasing appeal of community sport programmes which focus on men's mental health, the key design characteristics of these programmes, and the roles played by delivery staff in their conception and development, have not yet been systematically or widely studied. In this qualitative paper we address this gap in knowledge by reporting on interviews with stakeholders (n = 18) from north-west of England involved in designing a men's rugby league community-based mental health programme, Offload. Findings suggest that tacit forms of knowledge, developed through years of professional practice and co-production activity, was critical to how men's mental health was conceptualised and the use of existing non-clinical community assets (e.g. professional club stadia) as delivery sites for the programme. The use of non-stigmatising language, supported by opportunities for men to engage in non-threatening and solutions-focused activities, were central to programme design. The use of former professional sportspeople who recall their own lived experience of mental illness, and personal adversity, in programme sessions was deemed important for engendering trust among men and enabling them to engage in modelling alternative forms of masculine behaviour which can enhance mental health and encourage greater help-seeking. The paper concludes by arguing for a relational understanding of community sport and mental health programmes, since our data indicate that by focusing on the networks of relationships involved in Offload and the social contexts in which it was to be delivered, the programme designers effectively leveraged the benefits of their collective expertise to maximise men's engagement. Highlights: Explores the design characteristics of a men's sport-based mental health programme. Tacit knowledge was critical for recruitment, 'buy in' and engagement from men. Stigma-free, non-clinical environments support men's mental health conversations. Lived experience and relatability to personal adversity facilitates disclosure. Solution-focused approaches and sporting analogies reduce mental health stigma.