Developing international guidelines for paralympic games mental health support
Welcome!
​Here you can find out information related to our project aimed at supporting Paralympic athlete mental health at the Games.
​​If you wish to join our mailing list for an invitation to take part, or just to find out more at this stage, then please contact Georgia at g.a.bird@bham.ac.uk, or click the button below to sign up.
Meet the team.
Dr Amanda Gatherer
Mental Health Expert Panel
Sam Cumming
Chief of Mental Health
Dr Georgia Bird
Postdoctoral Researcher
& Project Lead
Professor Jennifer Cumming
Senior Researcher
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Dr Mary Quinton
Senior Researcher
What is the purpose of our work?
This study aims to build global guidelines on how best to support the mental health of Paralympic athletes before, during, and after the Summer and Winter Games. Your insights will help shape practical, inclusive recommendations that reflect the realities of elite sport.
We are seeking participants with experience of the Paralympic Games. This includes, but is not limited to: athletes, coaches, mental health practitioners, physios, academics, organising committees, national governing bodies, and international bodies. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you’re welcome to ask any questions before deciding to take part.
What does participation involve?
If you choose to join us, your involvement will include:
- A one-hour Teams interview to share your views on how we can best provide Paralympic Games mental health support. This will be audio and video recorded for research purposes, accessible only to the research team.
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- A follow-up round of anonymous voting on draft recommendations. A third round may be needed if consensus isn’t reached.
To thank you for your time, you’ll receive a £50 Amazon e-voucher.
We hope you’ll consider contributing to this work.
Project highlights.
Collaborating with us on this work is an international steering group of practitioner experts and athlete representatives. These voices amplify lived experience and ensure our work is created with, and not for, those who will use and benefit from the guidelines.
Interviews are well underway and we would love to include your experiences and thoughts! Click the 'sign up' button above to express interest.
Highlights from this project have been presented at international conferences, including GAMeS in November 2025 and QRSE in May 2026.