In pursuance of its social responsibility policy, SIGA is placing mental health on its Integrity Agenda during the Mental Health Awareness Week that is currently taking place around the globe, with this year’s theme focused on “acts of kindness”.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, emphasised the necessity of reducing stigma around mental health in his remarks at the Launch of the UN System Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy: “A Healthy Workforce for a Better World” in October 2018. During the launch, he emphasised how mental health is often a neglected area of global health stressing that this is part of a sustainable world at the heart of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
In alignment, and seizing the occasion of Mental Health Week, SIGA pledges to incorporate mental health considerations into its Universal Standards, specifically in the Youth Development and Child Protection Standards that its Task Force of Experts is currently working on.
SIGA will also mobilise its Members, Committed Supporters, Partners and Champions to raise awareness of mental health issues faced by athletes, and promote best practice in this field. The initiative will include a social media campaign and a dedicated webinar.
Speaking on behalf of SIGA, Katie Simmonds, SIGA General Counsel and Senior Director of Global Partnerships stated: “Whilst physical health has naturally dominated the headlines during this global pandemic, this crisis has taught us that mental health is a key component that should not be underestimated or side-lined, with many people struggling with depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation during lockdown. This includes athletes, many of whom, have had sponsorship agreements terminated and have been unable to train and make a living. SIGA, as an integrity organisation, has a responsibility to ensure both the physical, as well as mental wellbeing of athletes and what better time to commit to this than during this 2020 Mental Health Awareness Week.”
This is the 21st in a set of 30 boosting measures and initiatives being announced and developed by SIGA as part of the Alliance’s global campaign #SIGASTRIVES.
SIGA STRIVES Measure 22 will be announced next week! Stay tuned