University of Edinburgh Sport Supports SAMH Charter to Promote Mental Wellbeing

The University of Edinburgh Sport is reinforcing its commitment to enhancing active wellbeing and recognising the transformative power of physical activity in improving mental, physical, and social health. Acknowledging the role that being active plays as one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, the University is taking deliberate steps to ensure its programmes, services, and environments are mentally healthy.

image of group of university of edinburgh staff and students and SAMH staff outside pleasance gym smiling in group photo

On 13th March, University of Edinburgh students and staff were joined by SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) Chief Executive Billy Watson and staff members from their physical activity team to launch the University of Edinburgh Sport's commitment to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport and promote the co-created action plan which will see University of Edinburgh Sport take strides to embed mental health considerations into all aspects of our sport and physical activity services.

Billy Watson said: 

“The University of Edinburgh Sport signing up to Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport is a really welcome development.

Through the work we are doing with them, the University of Edinburgh is supporting the wellbeing of their students.  The opportunities and resources they’re creating, while also working to reduce isolation and encouraging active living, can only be good for student mental health.

Since launching the Charter in 2018, we’ve been joined by everyone from grassroots clubs to elite sporting bodies, using their collective power to ensure that there is no barrier to engaging, participating and achieving in physical activity and sport. We’re thrilled to have the University of Edinburgh as part of that.”

A Collaborative Approach to Wellbeing

The charter action plan has been developed with input from a dedicated working group, ensuring alignment with the latest research and existing frameworks across the University. Colleagues from the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC) have played a key role in shaping the plan, grounding it in the latest evidence.

Key Themes of the Charter Action Plan:

  • Creating mentally healthy sport and physical activity environments
  • Communications focused on mental health, transformation and leading an active student lifestyle
  • Reviewing and mapping of current influences, touch points and engagements relating to mental health and sport to inform workforce development
  • Reviewing and informing current programmes and activities to embed mental health and sport best practices

Professors Sam Fawkner and Ailsa Niven from PAHRC stated:

"There is convincing research evidence supporting the value of physical activity for mental health. We are delighted to support this charter and look forward to working with Sport to ensure the benefits of the work are experienced across our University community."

Mark Munro, Director of Sport and Active Health at the University of Edinburgh, added:

"At the University of Edinburgh, we recognise the profound role that sport and physical activity play in fostering community, building resilience, and enhancing mental wellbeing. By signing up to the SAMH Charter, we reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can benefit from the positive impact of physical activity on their mental health and overall quality of life."

This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating mental wellbeing into the University’s sport and activity landscape, ensuring that all students and staff have access to a supportive and healthy environment.

This article was published on