24 hour jockey helpline:

There is a  24-hour jockey 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 holds or has ever held a jockey licence of any sort – so all current and all former jockeys. The number is 07780008877.

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.

Psychological Support at IJF Rehabilitation Centres

The IJF has partnered with Sporting Chance, an organisation that specialises in mental health and wellbeing in elite sports environments. Sporting Chance have an HCPC registered, clinical psychologist working at each of the IJF Rehabilitation Centres each week, to provide:

• Psychological input, working closely with with the clinical and welfare teams through meetings and case consultations.
• Psychological ‘Check-ins’ for jockeys and beneficiaries using the centres.
• Initial clinical assessment and facilitate access to external mental health support where needed – including Sporting Chance.
• Brief psychological interventions with jockeys and beneficiaries where appropriate.

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. Please call us for confidential help: 01638 662246