UKA appoints Priory to work with elite athletes

20/4/10

Priory Group has been appointed by UKA (United Kingdom Athletics) to provide mental health support, assessment and treatment services for elite athletes.

The provision will be based around assessments and treatment interventions, based on the type of referral.  This could cover anything from stress, anxiety, eating disorders, depression and any other support required.

UK Athletics is the national governing body for athletics - the premier Olympic and Paralympic sport.  They deliver leadership for athletics and work with Home Country Federations and other partners to secure and distribute funding and develop policies for key areas.

World Indoor 800m silver medalist Jenny Meadows has supported the move that will see athletes on the World Class programme able to access further support in their quest for Olympic and Paralympic medals: "As an athlete I know as much as anyone the extreme highs and lows of this fantastic sport. The highs such as medals and making GB teams are shared by everyone, but the low points can be tough to work through.

"I think it is fantastic that we are leaving no stones unturned in the support for athletes in the approach to 2012 and that the appointment of the Priory Group is an excellent addition to the support services on offer."

Matthew Franzidis, chief operating officer of Priory Group said: "We are very proud to be working with UKA, particularly at this very exciting time in the build up to the 2012 London Olympics.

"The athletes are obviously at the peak of their physical fitness and caring for their mental well-being will be our priority."

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