Interview with Opening Up Cricket
- In other news contributor
- Jun 10, 2020
- 2 min read
This week I chatted with Mark, Founder of Opening Up Cricket to ask him a few questions about the organisation and his thoughts on lockdown without mentioning the dreaded C word!!
Where did it all start?
In December 2012 my team mate Alex Miller took his own life so Opening Up Cricket was a response to that. After a year of fundraising and learning I decided in 2014 to offer sessions to clubs to promote mental wellbeing and sucide prevention. From a tragic start the intention has been to make the message as positive and proactive as possible.
How do you think lockdown interacts with cricket and the mental health of individuals at each level of the sport? From amateur to professional?
We have had challenges to a lot of the mental health benefits of cricket- connecting with others and being active as two examples, but there has been so much innovation in using the community which has helped offset problems. For amateurs and professionals alike there is no getting away from the disappointment of not playing, but it has been great to see things being done to make the best of it.
Those of us who play cricket as a hobby are itching to get back to it so that the week has more positives, but I know the professionals are also keen to put into practise their hard work too.
Are clubs able to book your sessions virtually during lockdown?
Yes, we are offering the same sessions as usual via Zoom. Anyone interested can contact me via mark@openingupcricket.com to find out more and to book.
How have you been keeping active given the times?
Running has been a big one for me. I have got a real buzz from seeing others out on their routes too. It has been the closest I've got to the connections through cricket so I have really appreciated the chance to be part of something, even if it is at a distance!
What would you say is the best piece of advice for someone concerned about the mental wellbeing of a teammate?
Talk to them. You don't need to have a perfect script of what to say but just showing you care makes such a difference. It can be easy to assume people are fine and make excuses for not checking in with them but we all have mental health and declines can affect anyone. The simplest things available- a call, text or something face to face- are the most powerful.
Where to find help?
If you are struggling to live life as normal then your doctor is there for your mental health as much as your physical health. A GP appointment can be the step towards getting the right support. Talking is the key to finding help but it is also helpful as a treatment in itself.
There are lots of options through the Counselling Directory online but also The Samaritans and CALM who have people at the end of the phone to let you share.
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