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<p>The mental health of professional and elite sportspeople is a matter of importance
to government. As set out in the government’s sport strategy Sporting Future, Baroness
Grey-Thompson was tasked to carry out a review of the duty of care sport owes to its
participants. That report was published earlier this year and covered a number of
important issues including mental health. We are considering the review’s findings
and recently hosted two roundtable meetings involving sportspeople and people from
mental health and sport organisations to explore how sport could improve its offer
of mental health support for elite and professional sportspeople.</p><p> </p><p>Professional
players' associations (such as the Professional Footballers' Association or Professional
Cricketers' Association) are well placed to raise awareness amongst their members
about gambling and alcohol addiction, and to provide support to those that need it.
Organisations like the Sporting Chance Clinic are also available to provide support
to current and former sportspeople with emotional welfare and addictive disorders.</p><p>
</p><p>People with alcohol or gambling problems can also access services in primary
care and secondary care, including specialised mental health and addiction services.
Any decisions on the commissioning of effective treatment services are the responsibility
of local authorities based on an assessment of local need.</p><p> </p><p>A range of
services available to problem gamblers and support for those with problems with alcohol
can be found on the NHS Choices website.</p>
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