In this story: Mental health / COVID-19 / LGBT+ /

"We have to keep working together towards an end to discrimination of all kinds and remember that we are stronger together."

“My name is Angharad Englefield Nelson and part of my role with LEAP Sports Scotland is as a volunteer coordinator. LEAP Sports Scotland is Scotland’s only LGBTIQ+ sports charity and we work to encourage participation and visibility in sport for LGBTIQ+ people.

The LGBTIQ+ community is one that struggle a lot with poor mental and physical health due to discrimination and isolation (and more), at LEAP we are trying to encourage people of all ages and all ability to become more active, have better presentation in sport and find their community. I always say to new volunteers who aren’t sure about sports, ‘you don’t have to be super sporty, you just have to want LGBTIQ+ people to be included in all aspects of society’ and ultimately we have a wonderful team of volunteers from all walks of life with different experiences and ideas!

It has certainly been hard for our volunteers during lockdown, there has been little work for them to be getting on with and for LGBTIQ+ people it is really difficult being isolated from our community. We have been trying to run regular online socials every week, started up a pen pal scheme and have been doing regular mini training sessions. All of these activities have been an attempt to make people feel less alone during these difficult times and I really hope it is working.

This month is Pride Month, and with everything else going on in the world it is a stark reminder that the fight for the rights and freedoms of marginalised people is not over. We have to keep working together towards an end to discrimination of all kinds and remember that we are stronger together.”

For further information on LEAP Sports, visit their website (this link will take you away from our website).

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