Racing Welfare launches mental health online survey

People from across the racing industry are being urged to participate in a new survey aiming to understand and improve wellbeing and mental health in the sport.

Those completing the 15 minute questionnaire will receive an immediate Wellbeing Snapshot Report providing feedback on the answers given and outlining ways to improve how they feel, live and work.

Rishi Persad is among the eight members of racing’s wellbeing committee, alongside representatives from Racing Welfare, the Injured Jockeys Fund and BHA, and said the study was seeking to improve the lives and experiences of people working in the sport.

He said: “Ultimately my aim and the aim of racing is to do whatever we can to make people better and feel better. The committee is really determined to make things happen.

“Ever since wellbeing has become a subject of discussion some have said the industry does a great job and others have said they’re not doing enough.

Take part in the survey here

“This survey is one of the baseline things we can do and we need to get as many people as we can to complete it. It'll give us a good idea across the industry what areas we can help people in, which areas they are okay on and which areas we're doing well in but can still do more.”

People are able to complete the questionnaire until it closes on May 16, during which time Persad and others are hoping those who take part will be able to get a better understanding of their own wellbeing and mental health.

“As soon as the survey is complete you get a report to your inbox so you have a picture of your wellbeing based on your answers,” he said. “Mine, for example, said I’d benefit from more exercise, which I've been doing since getting back from breaking my leg last year.

“So it’s a twofold benefit completing this survey: one is for the industry as it helps us paint a picture as wide as possible of the wellbeing of the participants, and secondly you’re getting to find out about yourself and what you can do to help yourself, which is very important.”

More information on the wellbeing survey can be found on racingwelfare.co.uk.

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