Sharks Announce Mental Health Charity Partnership

The Sharks are delighted to announce its appointment of ShawMind, Sheffield’s Own Mental Health Charity, as Official Mental Health Charity. ShawMind has recently partnered with the Sheffield Steelers, Sheffield Steel Dogs, Sheffield Sharks and the Sheffield Hatters – this first time ever that a Mental Health charity has been simultaneously appointed by four major sports clubs in Sheffield.

Peter Wingrove, ShawMind’s CEO is convinced that advocacy around Mental Health has its place, but the community must now take action to reduce the massive problem. “We are delighted that these elite clubs have chosen to appoint us as their official Mental Health charity. Each of them is deeply committed to our community, and specifically to ensuring positive future opportunities for our city’s children and young people. There are an estimated 1.5-million children who are struggling with their Mental Health in the UK right now. ShawMind is committed to ensuring their future Mental Health prosperity, hope and opportunity. What a fantastic opportunity for us not just to talk about Mental Health, but to work together to take action and have impact. Let’s make sure that, as a community, we leave no-one behind.”

The partnerships will involve working together to find ways to help local children and young people from all walks of life with their Mental Health and wellbeing, some who may be at risk of violence or criminal activity, suffering with bereavement, who might be on the Neuro-diversity spectrum, or perhaps dealing with school refusal and more.

Sarah Backovic, Managing Director of the Sheffield Sharks said, “We are extremely excited about our partnership with ShawMind, and see it as a commitment to the mental well-being of our players, our fans, and our community. Basketball is so much more than a sport, it can be used as a powerful vehicle to promote mental health awareness. We hope this collaboration can help acknowledge and support this and we are proud to be part of a team that is striving to make a difference in Sheffield and beyond.”

ShawMind was established in 2016 by Sheffield-born UK/US businessman, Adam Shaw. In 2017 it forced a Parliamentary debate on compulsory Mental Health education in schools, and legislation on the issue was ultimately promulgated in September 2021. Following this watershed achievement, ShawMind has have helped thousands of people across the UK with their Mental Health through its various programmes.