At Bright Ideas for Tennis, we believe in the power of tennis to positively impact mental health. 

Our free I Play 30 weekly tennis sessions offer a supportive space for individuals facing mental health challenges to engage in physical activity, connect with others, and develop valuable skills that extend beyond the game.

Before starting any sessions one of our team will deliver a training session which covers how to create sessions that are sensitive to the unique needs of our I Play 30 participants. 

Our coaches and volunteers are dedicated to fostering a calm, non-judgmental environment where players can feel safe and supported both on and off the court. It can be very nerve-racking for participants to enter new settings and so we make sure coaches and volunteers leading the groups are mindful of the experiences they face both within the lines of the tennis court and as they move through the club and interact with members.  

Here’s how we ensure that every participant has a positive and enjoyable experience:

Mindful Approach: We adapt our I Play 30 sessions to accommodate different energy levels, focusing on activities that are both engaging and manageable. Whether it’s slow-paced drills, simple activities or moments of mindfulness, we make sure the sessions meet players where they are. Tennis can boost a participant’s mood by releasing all important hormones to support this during and after activity, and it has been well documented that playing tennis can improve confidence and self esteem too. 

Safe and Supportive Spaces: Our coaches prioritise emotional safety, creating a welcoming environment where players feel comfortable expressing themselves and interacting with others. We have to remember that tennis clubs are sometimes a new environment for the participants and entering new territories can oftentimes be overwhelming. Simple things like our volunteers remembering names and asking them about things which are meaningful to them is a really great way of developing rapport. 

Focus on Well-Being: Tennis offers more than just physical benefits. Our sessions promote a sense of accomplishment, reduce stress levels, and provide opportunities to build self-esteem—all of which contribute to better mental health and resilience.

At our I Play 30 sessions, we’re not just teaching tennis; we’re creating a space for individuals struggling with their mental health to experience the joy of physical activity, build new skills, and gain the emotional strength to thrive in other areas of life.