Abstract

The restrictions in the UK associated with the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in placements for Trainee Sport & Exercise Psychologists reducing or ending, and new placements being near impossible to set up. Trainees on the Sport & Exercise Psychology Professional Doctorate programme at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) were left with significant challenges in meeting the course requirements and learning outcomes associated with their programme. Creative solutions were required to create new placement opportunities for trainees within the context of the pandemic and associated restrictions. GCU staff addressed the challenges associated with placement by partnering with the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and gaining funding to deliver an online psychological support intervention – Time for You – to support the mental health and wellbeing of frontline workers, delivered by Trainee Sport & Exercise Psychologists. Trainees provided 1-1 online psychological support to frontline workers from a range of industries, supporting their mental health as part of a tiered support programme. This presentation will share reflections of the programme team on the process of working with SAMH to set up and mange this project setting up this innovative, impactful, and alternative placement opportunity. Reflections from trainee sport and exercise psychologists delivering the service will also be shared along with those of frontline workers who gained support. The presentation will provide evidence as to the effectiveness and appropriateness of non-traditional trainee sport and exercise psychologist placements and applied contexts that can make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of society in general.

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Cite as

McCann, B. 2022, 'Time for you: deploying trainee sport & exercise psychologists to support frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic', 16th European Conference of Sport and Exercise Psychology. https://researchonline.gcu.ac.uk/en/publications/8b58d885-0101-4b24-951a-2b1ef6d8a9e7

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Last updated: 18 October 2022
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