The British Basketball League (BBL) has become the first national professional sports organisation in the UK to launch a wellbeing hub for its community.
BBL Inspires is the first step in a series of initiatives planned by the BBL to improve welfare provision ahead of the 2021/2022 season which are being spearheaded by former Great Britain captain Kieron Achara.
The pioneering platform, developed for the BBL by tech company Frog Systems, uses videos of people sharing their life experiences of issues such as depression and racism to signpost organisations and resources that offer help.
The free to use online BBL Community Wellness Hub has launched with the help of players including Tayo Ogedengbe, Drew Lasker, Darien Nelson-Henry and Mike Tuck, who have contributed their own videos to the platform.
The BBL Community Wellness Hub was developed during the Covid-19 pandemic in response to the impact on the mental and physical wellbeing on communities.
Kieron Achara said: “The BBL family have always believed that our communities are the backbone of our league and I’m proud that we are working together to amplify the amazing local support services and resources available to ensure our communities are getting the help they need.”
With video clips from players and officials from clubs in the BBL sharing their experiences, the platform highlights information and organisations where the basketball community can go to get help. Users can search for information about mental and physical wellness, diversity, equality and inclusion, and personal development and financial management. They can also look for community programmes and volunteering opportunities with the sport in their area.
Sir Rodney Walker, Chairman of the BBL, said: “Our players and coaches do a huge amount of work in their local communities. We hope the BBL Community Wellness Hub will add another layer of support by linking our thousands of fans with advice and support around the challenges they face.”
You can find out more at www.bblinspires.co.uk
WATCH: https://youtu.be/i-H-7p7Mz_k