The IJF’s welfare team are your first point of contact for all wellbeing needs and requests. Our knowledgeable team will sit with you and explore the options available to you. We offer a wide range of support to current and former jockey and their families.

Jockey Wellbeing Programme:

Our jockey wellbeing programme covers free mental health support and counselling, a vibrant social programme, access to our physio and gym teams and spaces, classes, nutrition and much more. The best person to contact to discuss what is on offer is our IJF Welfare team – call 01638 662246 to find out which IJF staff member covers your geographical area, or if you live near one of our Centres pop in to chat to us.

Beneficiary Wellbeing Programme:

Once you stop race riding you are still considered part of the IJF family. Our beneficiary wellbeing programme mirrors that of the professional athlete offering free mental health support and counselling, a vibrant social programme, access to our physio and gym teams and spaces, classes, nutrition and much more. The best person to contact to discuss what is on offer is our IJF Welfare team – call 01638 662246 to find out which IJF staff member covers your geographical area, or if you live near one of our Centres pop in to chat to us

Who can access support?

Anyone who has ever held a licence (professional, apprentice, conditional, amateur, point to point) has support from the IJF from the day they receive their licence until the day they feel they don’t need our support – our support never ends.

What is talking therapy?

Speaking to a professionally trained counsellor or therapist may help you. They can talk about a number of issues with you. We offer support around such therapy and will explain the process and outline the different choices on offer to each person wanting to think about this option. This is a free, confidential service. The types of issues you may want to discuss with a counsellor include:

• Drug & Alcohol misuse
• Relationship difficulties
• Family Issues
• Abuse
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Childhood/Adolescent issues
• Workplace Issues
• Anger Management
• Bereavement/Grief
• Critical Incidents
• Depression
• Conflict resolution
• Behavioural difficulties
• Suicidal thoughts

Remember you are always in control of these sessions and can decide what you would like to talk about and how you would like to manage this process and we are here to help every step of the way.

Confidentiality:

Your information will never be shared without your consent. When you speak to a counsellor or therapist they will not divulge to us or any other third party what you discuss with them unless you ask them to do so.

24 hour helpline:

We have a 24-hour helpline should you need to speak to someone about your mental wellbeing. This is run by Sporting Chance and is answered by a registered counsellor at all times. The number is 07780008877.

Who can call the 24 hour helpline:

Anyone who has ever held a jockey licence of any sort – so all current and all former jockeys. The number is 07780008877.