Cheshire Cricket Board: Turning Mind’s Safe and Effective Practice into Action
Over the past six months, Cheshire Cricket Board has embedded Mind’s Safe and Effective Practice guidance into our programmes, strengthening how we support mental health and wellbeing through cricket.
Working in partnership with Active Cheshire, we took part in a local pilot designed to embed the guidance into everyday delivery. The approach focused on reflection, action planning, shared learning, and peer support, helping us strengthen what we do well and identify where improvements could make the biggest difference.
Key learning and improvements
The pilot highlighted key areas including safeguarding clarity, role definition, and confidence in supporting mental health conversations and escalation pathways. This has already translated into practical changes across Cheshire cricket:
Improved communications, including video support for participants who may feel anxious in new environments
Enhanced Player Experience Surveys with a stronger focus on wellbeing and safeguarding
Introduction of individual support plans for children with additional needs, including neurodivergent participants
Mental health awareness training for volunteers and accredited First Aid for Mental Health training for 18 staff
Expansion of the Player Ambassador programme to strengthen player voice and representation
Player Ambassador Scheme
Our Player Ambassador Scheme gives young cricketers on the Player Pathway a direct voice in shaping their experience. In 2026, the programme grew from 2 to 22 ambassadors, ensuring representation across all age groups and genders.
Ambassadors meet monthly to discuss topics including:
Developing a positive mindset and mental skills
Creating safe spaces to learn and make mistakes
Transitioning from junior to senior cricket
Reporting concerns and supporting peers
They also gather feedback from their peers through short surveys, ensuring player insight directly informs decision-making.
Voices from Cheshire Cricket
Clubs’ Senior Manager Gareth Moorhouse reflected on the impact of the programme:
“Embedding Mind’s Safe and Effective Practice guidance has strengthened confidence across our workforce and improved how we support mental health and wellbeing in cricket. It continues to help us build a safer, more inclusive environment where every participant feels supported, heard, and able to thrive.”
County Safeguarding Officer Julie Rafferty added:
“Embedding this approach has made a real difference to how we support young people and manage safeguarding in practice. We’re seeing increased confidence among staff and volunteers in recognising concerns and knowing how to respond appropriately and compassionately.”