Dorset Mind ambassador and local entrepreneur Ty Temel has told young sportsmen to ‘find their tribe’ this Men’s Mental Health Awareness Week.
The week aims to shine a light on men’s health, and particularly the lack of conversation around mental wellbeing.
A big focus has also been on that of mental health in men’s sport, which has also been supported by AFC Bournemouth earlier this month with a panel on World Mental Health Day.
Ty Temel, ambassador for Dorset Mind, has advocated for how sport can be used to connect with others:
“Humans are innately tribal creatures, and we like to feel a part of something bigger than ourselves.
“So, when it comes to team sport, it is about finding your sense of belonging, which is something that AFC Bournemouth has done in particular.
“Everyone can feel a part of that community.”
Dorset Mind also offer a weekly ‘Men in Mind’ initiative in partnership with AFCB Community Sports Trust, which includes football and other physical activity games at the Vitality for free.
A study by Sport England and Edge Hill University earlier this year found that sport has positive effects on the diagnosed mental health problems of children and young people.
Exercise in group environments also had a stronger effect on mental health when compared to one-to-one or individual exercise.
On getting involved, Temel said: “That is invaluable in life and whether you find that in sport, in being a football fan, in a book club, its really important.
“If you feel a bit lost, you just haven’t found your tribe yet.”
East beach bonfire returns to West Bay tomorrow