Following World Mental Health Day on 10 October, RECOVER highlights how safe, inclusive sport can contribute to a wider approach to recovery: one that values choice, connection and meaningful participation.
What does it take to create an environment where someone feels safe enough to participate, connect with others and rebuild confidence? For professionals supporting survivors of human trafficking, this question brings mental wellbeing into everyday practice.
World Mental Health Day 2026 placed particular emphasis on listening to people with lived experience. Under the theme “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change” the World Health Organization (WHO) called for their knowledge to shape the policies, services and decisions affecting their lives. This message has clear relevance for survivor support: opportunities for recovery should be developed with respect for each person’s preferences, experiences and priorities.
RECOVER contributes to this discussion by equipping sports and support professionals with resources to make physical activity a safer, more inclusive part of recovery and social reintegration.
Recovery, connection and everyday life
Experiences of exploitation, violence and coercion can affect survivors’ wellbeing, relationships and sense of control. These challenges may continue alongside practical concerns about housing, income, legal status and access to support. Recovery therefore requires sustained attention to both individual needs and the circumstances in which people rebuild their lives.
This broader understanding reflects current discussions on mental health. WHO identifies violence, poverty and inequality as risks to mental health, while positive relationships and strong community ties can help protect it. Its 2025 Commission on Social Connection report also calls for greater action to address loneliness and social isolation, recognising their serious implications for health and wellbeing.
For RECOVER, this creates an important connection between mental wellbeing and social inclusion. Access to welcoming community activities can offer opportunities to build relationships, establish routines and experience a sense of belonging.
How sport can contribute: RECOVER’s Capacity-Building Programme
The way sports activities are organised and delivered matters when supporting survivors of human trafficking.
RECOVER’s Capacity-Building Programme equips coaches, trainers and support professionals with knowledge and approaches to create safe, inclusive environments where participation can support confidence, connection and wellbeing.
The programme focuses on trauma-informed practice, helping professionals understand how experiences of exploitation may influence a person’s sense of safety, trust and willingness to participate. It encourages practitioners to respect personal boundaries, offer choices and adapt activities to participants’ needs, abilities and comfort levels. These approaches can help make sport an opportunity to regain a sense of control and experience positive interactions with others.
This preparation matters because the potential benefits of sport depend on the quality of the experience. Clear communication, supportive relationships and participation without pressure can create conditions in which survivors feel respected and included. Conversely, activities that overlook individual needs may introduce discomfort or discourage participation.
By strengthening professionals’ capacity to deliver sport responsibly, RECOVER supports its use as a complementary element within wider recovery pathways. Coaches and trainers can create opportunities for positive engagement while recognising the limits of their role and the importance of collaboration with specialist support services.
Explore RECOVER’s resources and discover how your organisation can support safer, more inclusive participation in sport.