Supporting mental well-being in athletics: The vital role of Club Welfare Officers

As we mark World Mental Health Day 2025, England Athletics is proud to spotlight the essential work of Club Welfare Officers across the country and celebrate the individuals who help shape safe and supportive environments for athletes and club volunteers.

We recently caught up with Abi Gabel, Lead Welfare Officer, and the rest of the welfare team at Kingston upon Hull Athletics Club, who chatted to us about their responsibilities and impact, both at the track and beyond.

“I came into the role of a Welfare Officer last year and became Lead Welfare Officer this year. I have a background in the NHS and am not new to the safeguarding parts of the role, but I am very new to the world of athletics.

“We are fortunate to have a diverse team of Welfare Officers; one member of our team has a background as a Registered Mental Nurse and now volunteers for Mind and is a qualified mental health first aider.”

Despite Abi’s recent entry into athletics and involvement within her club, both she and the rest of the team have made a positive impact on club members and have become advocates for athlete voices and the entire club community.

Fostering a connected club environment

Clubs offer more than just physical activity; they also provide a sense of belonging for club members, and Welfare Officers play a key role in maintaining a sense of community. Abi explains:

“At a time when social isolation seems to be escalating in our communities, the club can be an important hub not only for sport and physical health, but also as a point of social contact and support.

“It is really important that the club has members who are available to discuss concerns at the club but also issues affecting the welfare of our athletes and volunteers more broadly.”

The link between physical activity and mental health is well established, but it’s not just athletes who benefit, volunteers do too!

“There is a growing body of evidence that volunteering is good for our physical and mental health.”

Learning, listening and giving back

Abi and the welfare team at Kingston upon Hull Athletics Club offer a point of contact, listening, and reassurance within the club. The team are also working hard to build a database of local and national signposting resources, ensuring members can access the help they need beyond the club setting.

We asked Abi what her favourite thing about being a welfare officer was, she responded:

“I love learning and being part of a team. I’m really excited about our welfare team and the diversity of experience and skills that they bring. As a team we have all valued what our club has to offer to us and it is good to be able to give something back.”

Encouraging openness

One of the biggest barriers to mental health support is fear of speaking up. Many athletes and volunteers may feel nervous about sharing their struggles, especially in a sporting environment.

“It is often difficult to talk about our problems and many of us shy away from this. However, when problems hide (a bit like the monster under the bed when we are small) they have a habit of getting bigger and more frightening and don’t tend to disappear.”

Abi shares her advice to athletes who feel they are dealing with an issue or mental health struggles and are unsure where to turn to:

“Seek out the Welfare Officer at your club as they are trained to deal with issues. If you are not confident to do that by yourself, ask a friend or family member to help you.”

Thinking of becoming a Welfare Officer?

For those considering stepping into the role, Abi has a message to share with you:

“It’s not as demanding as you may think! One of the most important tools we have to aid people’s mental health is our listening skills. There is support there if you need it, you aren’t going to be expected to carry the whole of safeguarding on your own shoulders as a volunteer, there are people at England Athletics and UKA who will support you.”

And if you are part of a club and are struggling, remember that you are never alone. Reach out to people of trust, including your club’s Welfare Officers!