A national survey has launched to chart the mental health of the fitness and physical activity workforce.

Undertaken in partnership with CIMSPA, the survey will be open for anyone – employed or self-employed – working in fitness and physical activity.

Designed and managed by Workplace Mental Wealth, the survey will be based on a short questionnaire, exploring workers' mental health.

Workplace Mental Wealth has been founded by Katie Lewis, industry communications specialist, and Lindsey Simpson, cultural change specialist.

Lewis, says: “As an industry, we have shown incredible resilience, strength and determination throughout this pandemic, but we are not superhuman. We need to shine a light on mental health and ensure the needs of our workforce are catered for.

"We're inviting anyone working in, supplying or educating the sector to complete our survey, not just those working at leisure centres and gyms – we're encouraging engagement, sector-wide.”

Workplace Mental Wealth will also survey employers to establish current cultural and organisational capabilities and provision to support and encourage mental wellbeing in the workplace.

“This is the first time, on a sector-wide scale, we have ever asked individuals to tell us how they feel and how well they feel supported,” said Tara Dillon, CEO, CIMSPA.

“Understandably, the industry’s focus during this pandemic has been on protecting services and jobs, while supporting the workforce through this challenging time.

"As we start to see light at the end of the Covid-19 tunnel, we should not lose sight of the effect this pandemic has had and continues to have on the workforce.

"We need to collectively keep our attention on the mental wellbeing of our workforce and provide relevant support where needed.

“Before the pandemic, it was widely accepted that one in four people experience mental health issues each year.

"I suspect the pandemic has exacerbated this issue, but there is no evidence of this. This survey will address this.

"Once we understand the state of mental health in the workforce we can work together to provide the support needed to drive happiness, health and productivity.”

• To take part in the survey personally, click here.

• To take part in the corporate survey, click here.