Young sport leaders encourages people in Falkirk to look after their mental wellbeing by staying active during lockdown

Cameron, from Falkirk, and Tilly, from Larbert, have been a member of sportscotland’s Young People’s Sport Panel (YPSP) since November.

The panel is currently in its fifth two-year cycle and the 20-strong group have already started their work to help ensure the voice of young people is part of the sporting conversation across Scotland.

Crucial to the programme is that young people are heard and have the opportunity to influence decision making and drive change across the sporting system.

During a challenging time for the sporting sector and people across the country, mental health has featured prominently in the panel’s early discussions.

The YPSP have supported the sportscotland Walk and Talk campaign which started last June with the goal of encouraging people to set a time for a walk and talk phone call with a friend, to help keep people active and connected.

With restrictions still impacting people across the Scotland, it has been harder for everyone to make time for their own wellbeing. But looking after your mental wellbeing is more important than ever.

Staying physically active and building physical activity into a daily routine can have great results.

Tilly is a Larbert High School pupil. She swims for Falkirk Otters ASC, coaches at Tryst Community Sports Club and is a swim teacher for Falkirk Community Trust.

Tilly is encouraging people to find what works best for them and what they enjoy the most, even small amounts of gentle physical activity can be beneficial.

She said: “Exercise and physical activity release endorphins. Movement and activity triggers a physical response from your brain resulting in you feeling happier and more energised. Regular physical activity has a multitude of other benefits.

"The time you spend engaging in activity can be a great way to take time for yourself and disengage from everyday life.

“For me the thing I try to be consistent with is a daily walk. Not only is it great physical activity to get you moving, but it's a chance to be out in the fresh air. In these challenging times it’s important to detach yourself and clear your head.”

Cameron is also at Larbert High. He is the head coach of Falkirk Fury’s cadet men second team, he plays for the basketball club as well as Falkirk Tryst Golf Club.

He added: “I think regular physical activity is fantastic for staying mentally healthy, especially now.

"Staying active in some way, whatever it is, helps to break up the boredom we all experience in lockdown.

“The best piece of advice I could give would be to ask your friends what they are doing and what works for them. Your friends and family might be able to give you ideas for what to do if are struggling to stay active. Also try to think outside the box, try to find safe ways to do something similar to your favourite sport or gym activity.”