Bold opening: Winter darkness can take a toll on mental health, and today a Berkshire charity shows how light, movement, and community can push back.
Sport in Mind launched its Soles of the Season campaign to support people whose mental health worsens during the long, dark winter months. The charity helps individuals boost their well-being through sport and physical activity. To kick off the campaign, trainers and a Christmas tree were placed at the centre spot of Reading FC’s stadium, signaling a festive yet hopeful focus on wellness during the cold season.
The organization notes that more than half of the people it assists experience a decline in mental health in winter. It emphasizes the need for accessible, uplifting support when daylight wanes and outdoor activity becomes harder. In a recent Sport in Mind participant study, 55% said darker evenings negatively influence their mental health, and 67% reported that shorter days reduce their motivation and ability to stay physically active.
Chief executive Neil Harris commented, “Christmas can be a wonderful time for some, but for many it brings anxiety and loneliness. It’s crucial to reach out, connect, and let people know support is available.”
The Soles of the Season campaign also invites workplaces to engage with the charity by setting up a Christmas tree adorned with trainer laces and tree tags for messages to be tied on. People are encouraged to decorate their trainers with seasonal touches such as tinsel, glitter, and baubles, turning footwear into a tangible symbol of support and motivation.
Sport in Mind, working in partnership with the NHS since 2010, has helped more than 31,000 individuals facing mental health challenges through sport-based activities designed to boost mood and overall well-being.
At the campaign’s launch, Reading forward Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan spoke about the value of connection: “We’re fortunate to have a group of around 30 players we can talk to daily. Many people don’t have that kind of support, so programs like this matter because they provide someone to talk to and opportunities to engage.”
How to get involved
- If you’d like to share a story or highlight a local initiative for BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight coverage, reach out and tell us how winter affects mental health in your community.
- Consider joining or supporting Sport in Mind's activities to help maintain physical activity and mood during tougher months.
- Encourage your workplace to participate in Soles of the Season by setting up a festive trainer-lace tree and inviting colleagues to leave messages of encouragement.
Questions for readers
What part of this campaign resonates most with you? Do you think workplaces should play a bigger role in supporting mental health during winter, and if so, how would you implement such efforts? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
