Kayleigh Harris was a co-founder of Sport in Mind in 2011 and is now Head of Partnerships and Youth Service. Here she tells us about Sport in Mind’s new weekly sessions for young people and her own varied role.
Tell us about Sport in Mind and your role…
Sport in Mind is a sport and mental health charity that provides opportunities for people to get active to improve their mental health. The charity offers both adult and youth sessions across Reading (and the whole of the South East of England). My role as Sport in Mind’s Head of Partnerships and Youth Service is to develop strong working relationships and provide fun, safe, sport and exercise opportunities for young people who need extra support with their mental wellbeing. We are busy at the moment delivering workshops in the community and schools to raise awareness of our new offer and the benefits of being active for our mental health. There are weekly sessions available for ages 9–12 and 13–16. Activities include dance, football and multi-sport activities. With an increasing number of young people struggling with their mental health, we hope our exciting new service can help support young people with their wellbeing.
Describe a typical working day for you…
I have a very varied role. A typical day will be connecting with partners via email and meetings, followed by liaising with Development Officers, coaches, volunteers and activity workers that provide amazing sporting activities for young people. I also liaise with parents/support workers of young people and support them to get young people registered for an activity and put in place any additional requirements that may be needed. A lot of energy goes into presenting to young people and getting them engaged with Sport in Mind too, whether as participants, young ambassadors, advocates or volunteers. I also write many reports, bids, delivery plans, policies, risk assessments, presentations and research documents!
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of my job is reaching those who need our support the most, as many are isolated and disconnected from mainstream society. This takes time and patience, but seeing the impact it has on young people’s lives makes it so worthwhile. We believe at Sport in Mind that small steps are the best way to help and support.
What’s the best part of your job?
I absolutely love my job! Nearly every day I can honestly say I have a small win I can celebrate. This could be a partner fully supporting our cause, a young person filling in a Sport in Mind Youth Journal as a stepping stone to feel confident, a parent/support worker reaching out and making a positive step for a young person to access one of our sessions, a volunteer thanking us for the opportunity or a young person at a session saying – I love Sport in Mind! I don’t want the sessions to end…
Tell us a little about yourself and your background…
I was born in Reading and have always been very passionate about the town and the people. I have designed and delivered multiple successful physical activity interventions in the community through a role with Reading Borough Council. Before leaving the council in 2020 to pursue this role, I also worked in the cultural sector where I led a vibrant sector-wide partnership. I was a co-founder of Sport in Mind back in 2011 and since then, Sport in Mind has provided me nothing but pure joy! A personal highlight was going to Buckingham Palace when we won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2019. This was a very special moment.
Read more about Sport in Mind’s after school youth sessions and sport, exercise and mental health workshops here or email youth@sportinmind.org to get in touch.