Archives: Info & Support

1. Make it fun
Racing can be all go, so it’s important to carve out time for the things you enjoy. Whether it’s a friendly game of footy after evening stables, joining a book club, or having a laugh over a quiz night at the local, doing something just for you helps build friendships and boost your mood.

2. Get outdoors (beyond the yard)
Working with horses already keeps you active, but getting outdoors for your own wellbeing makes a big difference too. Head out for a walk with a mate after work, explore a new trail, or take part in a Racing Welfare outdoor event like the Castle to Abbey Challenge. It’s a great way to switch off and connect with others.

3. Find your kind of people
Horseracing is a tight-knit community, and there are plenty of ways to find others who share your values. From joining workplace wellbeing groups to connecting with fellow racing staff through Racing Welfare events, surrounding yourself with supportive, like-minded people can make everyday life feel that bit easier.

4. Be kind — on the yard and off
Even small acts of kindness can make someone’s day. Offering to help someone finish a task, checking in on a colleague who seems quiet, or just sharing a joke over tea can help you feel more connected and make your workplace a better place to be.

5. Show your appreciation
The industry moves fast, and it’s easy to forget to say thanks. Let someone know you’ve noticed their hard work or compliment them on how they handled a tough shift. A kind word goes a long way and can strengthen the bonds that keep teams running smoothly.

6. Connect online when the hours are long
Racing hours can be early and long, making it tricky to socialise in person. That’s why online communities are so valuable. From online support groups to racing Facebook pages and WhatsApp chats, staying connected digitally can provide real support — just be sure to stick to positive, uplifting spaces that align with your values.

7. Volunteer or support a cause close to home
Giving your time or energy — whether it’s fundraising for a colleague in need, helping out at a local rehoming centre, or volunteering with Racing Welfare — can give you a sense of purpose and make you feel more rooted in the wider racing community.

8. Get involved in your local area
Whether you live in a racing hub or a quiet rural village, looking after your local environment can help you feel proud of where you are. Join in with a community clean-up, help organise a yard barbecue, or take part in local charity events to meet others and feel part of something bigger.

9. Welcome newcomers to the industry
We all remember what it felt like to be new. Whether it’s introducing yourself to someone on their first day or inviting them along to the pub after work, a friendly gesture can go a long way in helping someone settle in — and you might make a new friend too.

10. Reach out for support if you’re struggling
Racing life isn’t always easy — long hours, early starts, and time away from family can take a toll. Peer support groups, especially those offered by Racing Welfare, give you a safe space to talk to people who understand. You’re never alone, and help is always available.

One of the most important things we can do to help protect our mental health is regular movement. Our bodies and our minds are connected. Looking after ourselves physically also helps us prevent problems with our mental health.

While many people struggle to move enough, this often isn’t the case in the horseracing industry, with the majority of stud, stable and racecourse staff having physically active jobs. Having a healthy mind and body is vital for all however, and there’s plenty of ideas to help you both at work and at home, including these:

Are you feeling stressed? You may be experiencing stress due to work commitments or issues in your personal life. Physically demanding jobs, early starts and long and/or antisocial hours synonymous with the racing industry may add to your stress levels.

There are ways you can manage your stress and we are here to offer you support and advice.

Racing’s people share their top tips for managing anxiety.

I previously suffered with anxiety and panic attacks brought on by post-natal depression.  At the time learning about anxiety and panic attacks and teaching myself to meditate were the only things that really helped.  This enabled me to take control of my breathing, helped me to relax, focus and stay grounded – Simone Sear, Racing Welfare

I was told to keep a diary. Writing down how the day had gone, how my anxiety levels were each day was a big help and something I’d highly recommend – Tom Stanley, Racing TV Broadcaster

When anxiety comes knocking, I invite it in and give it a makeover. I transform it into excitement, an emotion that equips me with the enthusiasm and optimism I need to tackle the situation – Lindsey Pearce, The Jockey Club

Remember what is strong, not what is wrong – when people are anxious they tend to focus on what personal resources they don’t have to deal with their situation. We have to work really hard at such times to remind ourselves of our strengths, how we have overcome in the past, and the joy we bring to others to counter the psychological effects of anxiety – Dr. Will McConn-Palfreman, Sport & Exercise Psychologist

I’ve recently started to feel really anxious when riding. Regular sessions of hypnotherapy and mindfulness are helping me overcome the fear as, ultimately, this is a pastime that I really don’t want to lose from my life! – Lucinda Gould, Racing Welfare

Whenever I feel anxious, I step outside and immerse myself in nature – it’s the ultimate mindfulness activity! Whether I hop on my bike or go for a walk, I relish in the beauty of the great outdoors and make sure to ditch my phone – Hayley Lees, Jockey Club Estates

The below film has been created by staff at the BHA and shows Harriet Rochester (Campaign and Digital Manager); David Jones (BHA Board Member) and Kate Freeman (Project Manager) sharing their tips to help manage anxiety.

For more tips head to the Mental Health Foundation’s website or contact Racing’s Support Line to speak to a trained counsellor.

We all know how important it is to take care of our physical wellbeing. However, it’s also vital that we look after our mental wellbeing. If you’re feeling low, sad or stressed then racing welfare can help in a variety of ways.

Racing Welfare is committed to ensuring that racing’s workforce can access mental health and wellbeing support services when required, free of charge and without lengthy waiting lists.  All of our welfare officers have received mental health first aid training or will do so within their first year in post.  They are able to provide information and advice to people regarding mental health support and counselling options.

We run two types of mental health courses, a half-day awareness course and a two-day first aid course.

A Mental Health First Aider® as equally as important as a Physical Health First Aider – the two are entwined together and affect each other.  Therefore it is crucial we have someone in every workplace to spot the early warning signs and symptoms of mental ill-health and to have the confidence to start up what could potentially be a lifesaving conversation.  Be proactive and make sure you have someone that could help save lives!

Benefits of becoming a Mental Health First Aider®

• Understanding the meaning of Mental Health and the factors that affect our wellbeing.
• Able to spot the common early warning signs and symptoms of mental ill health and start up a conversation.
• Confidence to approach someone in distress and support
• Following the pandemic, mental health training has never been more important.
• Enhance interpersonal skills such as non-judgement listening
• Understand how to look after your own wellbeing, especially when supporting others.
• Training reduces stigma, increases confidence in assisting someone with a mental health issue.
• Supporting someone in recovery.
• Build resilience in the workplace
• Mental health is a growing concern and is indicated that one in four of us are likely to experience a mental health issue each year, which is likely to impact on our ability to work. Mental ill health is the single largest cause of disability in the UK, with the cost of mental illness to the economy estimated at around £105 billion annually (Department of Health). This includes direct costs of services, lost productivity at work and reduced quality of life.
• One of the most effective ways to reduce costs is through ensuring that your workplace has recognised accredited mental health training.

What is Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been in an intimate relationship, marriage or family relationship, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone. Noticing and acknowledging the warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse is the first step to ending it.  No one should live in fear of the person they love.  If you recognise yourself or someone you know in the following warning signs and descriptions of abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out. There is help available.