Poor mental health is a critical issue, with over a billion people affected globally. GRS recognizes adolescence as a crucial issue for mental health, and has integrated mental health promotion into its work in SRHR, GBV, and HIV, with nearly 25% of adolescents experiencing depression and 20% experiencing anxiety, emphasizing the urgent need for increased support for adolescent mental health.
MindSKILLZ uses sport-based metaphors, activities, and analogies to reinforce positive coping skills, engaging them in sensitive topics such as substance misuse, emotional regulation, violence prevention, stigma, stress/anxiety, and depression. MindSKILLZ works in partnership with adolescents themselves and integrates positive mental health concepts while strengthening community and family support
What started as a pilot with adolescents in Scotland has expanded to a core component of GRS's global work. Recognizing the interplay between mental health and other adolescent health areas, GRS has expanded MindSKILLZ to five countries (South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Mozambique), and is working with Ministries of Health to align mental health efforts to national priorities. GRS will hone its focus around mental health promotion and prevention through programs that can be implemented despite variations in or low levels of service availability. Specifically, GRS will accelerate its progress across mental health integration, innovation, advocacy, and evaluation.
For more information on Grassroot Soccer and MindSKILLZ, please contact:
Babikir M. Babikir
Email: bbabikir@grassrootsoccer.org
