How young sports leaders from East Dunbartonshire are helping to ease lockdown strain

Two sport leaders from East Dunbartonshire are launching a new campaign to keep Scotland physically active and connected with friends and family while social distancing measures are in place
Hannah Mayo (centre right) from Lenzie and Erin Gillen (centre, second left) from Kirkintilloch with other sports leadersHannah Mayo (centre right) from Lenzie and Erin Gillen (centre, second left) from Kirkintilloch with other sports leaders
Hannah Mayo (centre right) from Lenzie and Erin Gillen (centre, second left) from Kirkintilloch with other sports leaders

Hannah Mayo (17), from Lenzie, and Erin Gillen (18) from Kirkintilloch have been members of sportscotland’s Young People’s Sport Panel (YPSP) since June 2018.

The panel and SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) have created the Walk and Talk campaign as part of sportscotland’s We’re here’ campaign, which SAMH is supporting, promoting the benefits that physical activity has on mental health.

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Walk and Talk is encouraging people set a time for a walk and talk phone call with a friend, family member, colleague or teammate. Each person takes a photo while on their walk and shares it on social media using the hashtag #WeAreHere and tags @sportscotland and @SAMHtweets. The campaign was launched during Mental Health Awareness Week but will continue while restrictions are in place in Scotland.

Former Turnbull High pupil Erin, who now studies at Strathclyde University, said: “The social aspect of sport and physical activity has a massive role to play in a person’s wellbeing, this can have a huge impact in these difficult times.

“Walk and Talks has allowed me to get outside, even on a bad day it’s been something to look forward to. A simple chat with friends lifts spirits and motivates you to get active.

“I know personally during this time I have had to complete exams from home which was a new and challenging experience for me and my fellow students. But I know having that break away from it and going a walk while chatting to your friends or family is really refreshing and allowed better head space to get back to studying.”

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