With mental ill health costing more than 4% of GDP across the EU before the pandemic, according to the OECD, the need to consider mental health as an essential component of health is paramount.

The three-year Icehearts Europe project is uniquely positioned to address the intersections of physical activity, mental and physical health by expanding the successful Finnish Icehearts initiative to grassroots sport organisations.

But Icehearts is not just a sport programme – sport is part of a much bigger picture in which mentors are appointed to support children with special needs on their formative life journey.

We’re excited to introduce the Icehearts Europe model to you and we hope you’ll be inspired by our online learning tools and resources to try the approach in your country.