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Jockeys Mental Health Awareness Campaign Launched

Alex Mills

Campaign to coincide with UK Mental Health Awareness Week

taking place 15-21 May 2023


Sporting Chance and the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) are today launching their new Mental Health campaign across UK racecourses to raise awareness of the services available to all professional jockeys in the UK.

The campaign follows the renewal of Sporting Chance’s relationship with the PJA and ensures that all professional jockeys in

the UK continue to be eligible for Sporting Chance services free of charge. Now into its fifth year, The PJA’s relationship with Sporting Chance provides all of its members with a pathway to confidential, professional support. Services include a 24/7 helpline, talking therapy provision and a residential centre, exclusively for professional sportspeople experiencing addictive disorders. There are further plans in place to roll out an education programme for all its members to help them better understand and engage with the help that is available to them.


The new campaign, which goes live on Tuesday 16th May, is being launched during Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year focuses on the challenges associated with anxiety. To support in creating awareness, 46 UK racecourses, including Aintree, Ascot, Cheltenham and Newbury, have all agreed to place the highly visible posters in the weighing rooms, as well as promoting digital content via social media channels to ensure high visibility across the racing community.

(The 46 UK Racecourses supporting the campaign)


Colin Bland, CEO of Sporting Chance said: "We are delighted to work closely with the PJA in supporting current jockeys with their mental and emotional wellbeing needs. The racing industry has a higher incidence of support relating to issues with alcohol than any other sport we work with. We know there is a solution for those that seek help and our challenge is to encourage those who struggle to reach out, the hand of Sporting Chance and the PJA will be there."

(Posters will be placed in weighing rooms at racecourses)


Ian McMahon, CEO of PJA said: "The PJA’s relationship with Sporting Chance provides jockeys with a pathway to confidential and professional support. Sporting Chance supports jockeys to help them to understand what is best with them and to make the right decisions they need to make for their health and for their riding career. It continues to be a very effective partnership”.


If you are a member of the PJA and need help with your mental health go to www.sportingchanceclinic.com and click ‘get help now’ for more information.


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