New Jockey Family Films released to raise awareness of Mental Wellbeing support for Jockeys

The Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) in collaboration with the Jockeys Education & Training Scheme (JETS) and the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) are this week releasing a series of short films highlighting the range of mental wellbeing support available to jockeys and former jockeys from across the racing industry.

Posted across social media with the #JockeyFamily hashtag, the films which will be shown throughout Mental Health Awareness Week (12th to 18th May) as part of their ‘community’ theme with the aim of highlighting the importance of the ‘Jockey Family’ and the range of people within their wider support network who jockeys can turn to for support with their mental wellbeing as well as the range of different professional and confidential services options that are available to them.

The respective Instagram accounts are @the.pja @jets4jockeys and @injured_jockeys_fund and all the videos in the Jockey Matters series can be found at JETS’ YouTube account, @jets4jockeys74.

Paul Struthers, Chief Executive of the PJA said:

“Being a jockey is a uniquely challenging occupation with the myriad of pressures they face – weight management, exceptionally long working hours, financial uncertainty, the constant risk of and actual injury, the lack of control, sporting pressure and public scrutiny to name just a few – as well as the normal life pressures and events we all face from time to time.

“Mental Health Awareness Week this year is about highlighting how important being part of a safe, positive community is for our mental health and wellbeing. These films continue our collective, ongoing efforts to remove the stigma around talking about how we feel, highlight the supportive community that surrounds jockeys and highlight that they are never alone.”

Lisa Hancock, IJF Chief Executive said:

“Whatever the issue, jockeys and their families can always access the IJF for confidential and professional support either through face-to-face appointments or alternatively online if that is an easier option. We know how challenging the day-to-day routine of a jockey is and how this impacts on wives, partners, family and friends and sometimes you just need the opportunity to share your concerns to somebody who understands and has the time to listen.”

Lisa Delany, JETS General Manager said:

“Through the PJA and IJF, jockeys have free and quick access to a fantastic range of talking therapies whether that’s counselling, clinical psychology, sports psychology and addiction
support, and through JETS there is significant support for jockeys preparing for and through career transition.

“But they are also surrounded by a community – the ‘Jockey Family’ – who can help them too. The aim of these films is to remind jockeys past and present of the support available, those around them of ways in which they can look out for jockeys, support them and signpost them to professional services if necessary and highlight how vital the ‘Jockey Family’ is for their mental health and wellbeing.”