Developing an international consensus statement for Paralympic Games mental health support

This fellowship aims to improve mental health support for Paralympic athletes by creating the first international consensus statement tailored specifically to their needs. While mental health is increasingly recognised in elite sport, Paralympians remain underserved and underrepresented in current frameworks. This project addresses that gap by developing a comprehensive, athlete-centred approach that reflects the unique challenges faced by Paralympic athletes before, during, and after major competitions like the Paralympic Games. Paralympic athletes experience many of the same pressures as Olympians, such as: intense training, media scrutiny, and injury. However, they also face additional barriers linked to disability. These include limited access to adapted facilities, societal stigma, misclassification, and unequal funding and support. These factors can increase psychological vulnerability and discourage help-seeking. Despite growing concern among health professionals, many feel undertrained and constrained by systemic issues, and current policies often treat Olympians and Paralympians interchangeably, leading to misaligned support. To address these challenges, the fellowship will bring together experts in mental health, sport, and disability to co-create a set of practical, evidence-based recommendations. These will be informed by behavioural science and systems thinking to understand what is needed at every level of the sports system, from individual athletes to coaches, organisations, and the wider culture of sport. The project will also consider the diverse backgrounds of athletes, ensuring that mental health support is inclusive and adaptable across different countries and both summer and winter Games. By embedding behaviour change strategies from the outset, the fellowship aims to create lasting improvements in how mental health is supported in Paralympic sport. Key outcomes include: Reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking among Paralympic athletes. Improving access to inclusive facilities and mental health services. Changing public perceptions of disability and mental health in sport. Influencing policies and training programmes ahead of future Games, including Milan-Cortina 2026 and Los Angeles 2028. The fellowship will also contribute to academic research by generating new knowledge on mental health, disability, and behaviour change in elite sport. It will produce high-quality publications and promote further research in this underexplored area. By partnering with the UK Sports Institute (UKSI), the project will benefit from expert training, access to elite sports networks, and support for implementing its findings in real-world settings. Overall, this fellowship seeks to create a more equitable and inclusive sports system that recognises the unique experiences of Paralympic athletes and promotes mental health for all.