Changing lives through sport: the story of the Positive Mental Attitude Sports Foundation Trust

The Positive Mental Attitude Sports Foundation Trust (PMASFT) is a community interest company that uses sport as a therapeutic tool to support the recovery and social inclusion of people living with enduring mental health issues. Many of the people that have been part of the initiative have a dual diagnosis. Through community football and multi‐sports mental health leagues, the PMASFT seeks to engage participants in meaningful activity, build their confidence, support the development of life skills and healthy living, improve physical health and promote education, training and employment opportunities. The PMASFT also provides accredited courses, including mental health sports coaching and refereeing courses, and courses on how to set up a mental health sports club. Participants are encouraged to get involved in the running of their club. Through this approach the PMASFT develops a sustainable working partnership with health and social care organisations, local authorities and other community services. This paper describes how the PMASFT came into being and highlights some of its achievements.