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The 2025 BRIT Challenge started on

25th January 2025 & will finish on 25th December 2025

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RESEARCH

WIPAHS

WELSH INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, HEALTH AND SPORT (WIPAHS)
RESEARCH AND PILOT EVALUATION

The Welsh Institute of Physical Activity, Health and Sport (WIPAHS) ran a pilot evaluation looking at the impact of the BRIT Challenge across Higher and Further Education institutions spanning Wales with a focus upon physical activity and wellbeing.

WIPAHS - AN INTRODUCTION

 

WIPAHS, established in 2019, is a pan-Wales network of all eight Welsh Universities and Sport Wales. With members based across Wales, WIPAHS capitalises on the nation’s unique culture and its remarkable range of expertise and industry.

 

WIPAHS brings together world-leading academics, with representatives from Sport Wales and Welsh Government, who are driven to answer practice-based questions, identify fundamental research questions, and ensure that findings are reflected in Welsh policy and practice. More information about WIPAHS can be found here: The Welsh Institute of Physical Activity, Health & Sport - Swansea University

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When WIPAHS was established, six primary value-driven actions were identified to support the population of Wales through consultation with key partners. Specifically, WIPAHS seeks to;

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  • Make a difference to the people of Wales

  • Co-produce and collaborate with key stakeholders and the public

  • Address health inequalities

  • Provide actionable insights

  • Share knowledge

  • Promote accessibility of research and physical activity

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Their aim is to create a healthier society. BRIT is determined to support and improve young adult, student, and staff, mental health, fitness and wellbeing throughout the UK. With so many Welsh universities, colleges and Students' Unions embracing the annual BRIT Challenge, the insight and knowledge from students and staff taking part in BRIT Challenges would undoubtedly be an integral source of information to assist WIPAHS.  We also hope that this information will be valuable to every Welsh university, college, Students' Union, Colleges Wales, Universities UK, the Association of Colleges and Sport Wales.

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EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF THE BRIT CHALLENGE IN WALES

 

We were delighted to work closely with The Welsh Institute of Physical Activity, Health and Sport (WIPAHS) who ran a pilot evaluation to explore the impact of the annual BRIT Challenge. The pilot evaluation was conducted across Wales, and the findings were used to inform future BRIT Challenge surveys. 

 

The evaluation involved students and staff from across Wales being invited to participate in an online survey before and after completing the BRIT Challenge in an aim to: 

 

  • Explore the impact of the BRIT Challenge on student and staff physical activity and wellbeing.

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  • Investigate why and how students took part in the BRIT Challenge.

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  • Understand the types of activities that students and staff engaged in when taking on the BRIT Challenge.

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  • Gain participant insights to help support the BRIT Challenge in future years.

WHO LEAD THIS RESEARCH?


The lead for this evaluation was Paul Sellars. Amie Richards was the Research Assistant working on this project; whilst Professor Melitta McNarry, Professor Joanne Hudson and Professor Nicola Gray also worked on the BRIT Challenge evaluation.

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We would like to thank the following for all their support;

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We are sincerely grateful to Professor Nicola Gray, Professor of Clinical & Forensic Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Science, at Swansea University for all her support to enable BRIT to forge a special relationship with WIPAHS.

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Nicola is the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategic Theme Lead at WIPAHS. Nicola is a Professor of Forensic & Clinical Psychology. She works as a clinical-academic in both Swansea University and Swansea Bay University Health Board. Nicola’s expertise lies in mental health and how it impacts on behaviour, both positive and negative. This includes the prevention and intervention of risks to the self (e.g. via suicide prevention and self-harm), and risk to others (e.g. via violence, domestic abuse, sexual violence, and offending behaviour). 

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Professor Melitta McNarry

Professor of Health and Exercise Physiology

Research Director of WIPAHS

Postgraduate Research Director - A-STEM, Faculty of Science and Engineering

Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Swansea University

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Melitta specialises in cardiorespiratory fitness across the health, fitness and lifespan with a particular interest in paediatric and clinical populations and the evaluation of interventions to promote physical activity and health. Her recent work has focused on the development of interventions such as the visualisation of physical activity using tangible objects, and inspiratory muscle and high intensity interval training for people with asthma, cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. 

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Joanne Hudson PhD CPsychol AFBPS FBASES PGCE SFHEA HSPC Registered Psychologist

Professor of Exercise and Sports Psychology

Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) Research Centre

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Swansea University

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Joanne is a British Psychological Society Chartered and HCPC Registered Psychologist in Sport and Exercise Psychology, in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Swansea University. She is the sub-theme lead for Health and Well-being in the Awen Institute, which is a collaboration of researchers led by Swansea University, in partnership with the University of South Wales and University of Wales Trinity Saint David and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

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Paul Sellars

Research Associate at the Centre for Health, Activity and Wellbeing Research (CAWR)

Cardiff Metropolitan University

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Having Having graduated from the University of Gloucestershire with a BSc in Sport Science, Cardiff Metropolitan University with a MSc in Applied Sport Psychology and Swansea University with a MSc by Research, Paul is currently a Research Associate in the Centre for Health, Activity and Wellbeing Research (CAWR) at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Paul is also a BASES Accredited Sport & Exercise Scientist and WIPHAS theme lead for mental health and wellbeing. Paul’s research focuses upon wellbeing within different environments and has seen him work with partners such as the Welsh Rugby Union, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, Platfform, Badminton Wales, and Disability Sport Wales.

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CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS

Approval No. 2122_59

A Narrative Exploration of Experiences Post-Trauma 

If you feel your life has been touched by trauma and that you have experienced negative and/or positive changes in its wake, we would love to hear from you.

 

The study here reflects a deep and open interest in the lived reality of people whose lives have been touched by trauma and seeks to explore their experiences after traumatic events.

 

If this is you, your thoughts and feelings will be unique, often complex, and incredibly valuable, and may help us better understand narratives post-trauma.

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We are looking for people who are aged 18 or over, who feel they’ve experienced trauma (any type of trauma) during their lives, a minimum of six months ago.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

You will be asked for your consent and for some basic demographic information. You will be invited to engage in a supportive, conversational interview with a non-obligatory option for follow up interview(s) and/or the ability to contribute further self-reflection post-interview if you would like to.

 

Interviews will be offered in-person and online to cater for preference and practicalities. Interviews are entirely

confidential and anonymised. Except to the extent it is necessary to share identifying information to coordinate the interview, you need not share any identifying information such as your real name. Data resulting from the interview will be anonymised so that anything shared cannot be linked back to you.

 

You will be welcome to share as much or as little as you are happy to. Whilst the interview(s) will invite you to share the story of your experiences around and during the time since your trauma, there is no requirement to share specific details of the actual experience you have had.

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WHAT WILL YOU BE ASKED TO DO?

HOW CAN YOU TAKE PART IN THIS RESEARCH?
Please email Alison Woodward - A.Woodward@chi.ac.uk 

WHO CAN YOU CONTACT TO ASK ABOUT THIS RESEARCH?
 

Please contact Alison at the University of Chichester at A.Woodward@chi.ac.uk

Alison is currently studying for a PhD in Post-Traumatic Growth and will work closely with BRIT, offering an opportunity for our BRIT Ambassadors, and those who follow and support our work, to be involved in her research. 

 

Alison has four children: Keris, Theo, Ozzie and Abe. 

 

Alison has supported the Sussex Snowdrop Trust since the loss of her precious son, Miles.  As a Snowdrop Mum, she shares her experience of how the Sussex Snowdrop Trust were with her family through every step of their journey.  Her bravery to share her family’s moving and poignant story raises awareness of the Trust’s work, giving a greater appreciation of the difference fundraising makes to the lives of children who are coping with the day-to-day challenges of a life threatening or terminal illness.

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ABOUT ALISON

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After winning a scholarship to study music, in 2003, Alison graduated from the University of Chichester with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. She also won the Wiley Prize for Academic Excellence.

 

Since 2006, Alison has been a Senior Lecturer in Music and a Performance Development Coordinator at the University of Chichester.

 

In 2007, Alison graduated from the University of Chichester with a Master of Arts degree in Music Performance.

 

Since 2018, Alison has been Deputy Head of Department (Music) and Programme Coordinator for the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) acting for Film and Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Music degree courses at the University of Chichester.

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In 2017, Alison was appointed Deputy Director of the University of Chichester Conservatoire.

The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) are working closely with the University of Chichester and supporting a Research Study: "A Narrative Exploration of Experiences Post-Trauma".

Post-Trauma Research

HOW WE HOPE OUR BRIT AMBASSADORS WILL FIND TAKING PART HELPFUL

POST-TRAUMA RESEARCH

Narrative Exploration of Experiences Post-Trauma 

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Many of our BRIT Ambassadors have experienced adversity or trauma in their lives. They share their lived experience in the hope of inspiring young adults and students, encouraging participation in the annual BRIT Challenge to improve mental health and fitness, increasing fundraising efforts for charities, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek support if they are struggling to cope.

 

Our BRIT Ambassadors share their stories many times and, because of this, some have expressed that the sense 

of intimate connection they with it can fade and grow distant over time.  

 

Inspiring others requires a sustained depth of contact with our lived experience.

 

How BRIT Ambassadors have navigated their lived experience will be unique, often complex, and incredibly valuable, and may help us better understand the relationships between post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth, and psychological flexibility.

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We also hope involvement in the study will reconnect our BRIT Ambassadors to their extraordinary stories of overcoming trauma and adversity; the lived experiences that they are sharing with the young adults and students who we are striving to support.

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WHO IS LEADING THIS RESEARCH?
This research is being conducted by Alison Woodward at the University of Chichester.

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Amie Richards

PhD Student and WIPAHS Research Assistant

Swansea University

 

Having graduated from Swansea University with a BSc in Sport Science, The University of Gloucestershire with a MSc in Physical Activity, Exercise & Health Practice and Newman University with a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education, Amie is now completing a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science at Swansea University and is a Research Assistant with WIPAHS. 

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DO YOU HAVE A
STORY TO SHARE?

We are inviting athletes who have encountered trauma to participate in a research study exploring the impact of these experiences on their lives in sport. The research aims to create safer and more supportive sporting environments for all.

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This study focuses on the lived experiences of elite athletes who have experienced trauma. We want to understand how these experiences have impacted your participation, performance, and overall wellbeing within your sport. We’ll also explore your thoughts on how the sporting environment could have been more supportive in the context of your experiences.

1. What is this research about?

Many athletes experience trauma, but its impact on their lives and the need for trauma-informed support systems within sports remains under-researched. This study prioritises athlete voices to inform the development of better support systems to create positive sporting cultures.

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4. What will your participation involve?

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If you choose to participate, you will be invited to interview. This will be conducted online (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, Teams) and will last approximately one hour. This may involve multiple interviews. The interview will be an opportunity to share your story, experiences, and perspectives. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any point throughout the interview process.

 

It is important to note that participation in this study requires the interview to be recorded. Anonymised transcripts are essential for data analysis. If you are not comfortable with recording, unfortunately, we will not be able to include you in the study.

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5. Benefits of participating

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By sharing your story, you will contribute valuable insights that can help improve the wellbeing of athletes and create safer, more supportive sporting environments.

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6. Who can participate?

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We are recruiting 15-20 elite athletes who have encountered trauma and are willing to share their experiences.

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3. Why is this research important?

2. What is trauma?
 

For this study, trauma refers to the distressing or disturbing event that can have long-lasting physical, psychological, and emotional effects. This can include experiences like:

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  • Abuse (emotions, physical, sexual)

  • Neglect

  • Bullying

  • Witnessing abuse

  • Serious injuries

  • Significant life stressors

Interested in participating?

 

Contact:

 

Lead Researcher:

 

Elena Sopp - elena.sopp@port.ac.uk

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Supervisors:

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Chris Wagstaff - chris.wagstaff@port.ac.uk

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Melissa Day - m.day@chi.ac.uk

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Need extra support?

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We understand that discussing trauma can be challenging. If you find yourself needing support during or after the interview, here are some resources:

 

Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/

 

Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

 

PTSD UK https://www.ptsduk.org/

 

Head for Change https://headforchange.org.uk/for-athletes

 

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ABOUT ELENA

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After graduating from The Open University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, Elena went on to graduate from the University of Chichester with a Master of Science degree in science, Sport and Exercise Psychology.  She is now studying for her Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Portsmouth.

 

Elena has gained experience in Grief and Bereavement Psychology, Occupational Psychology, and Sport and Performance Psychology.

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Her current research is focussed on Elite Athlete experiences of trauma and understanding the potential for trauma-informed environments.

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Professionally, Elena specialises in performance psychology meaning she help individuals and teams unlock their TOP potential by focusing on the connection between mind, body, and environment. Her approach involves understanding an individual or team's unique mental landscape, building a strong foundation of wellbeing, and creating a supportive environment to help achieve their desired goals.

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Elena believes that true excellence arises from wholeness. Her experience in grief and bereavement support, occupational psychology, and sport and exercise psychology has shown Elena the power of connection and self-understanding in overcoming challenges and achieving TOP performance. She is passionate about helping individuals and teams reach new heights by empowering them to build resilience, focus, and motivation.

The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) are working closely with the University of Portsmouth and the University of Chichester to support this research.

Elite Athlete Trauma Research

RESEARCH ON THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF ELITE ATHLETES WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED TRAUMA

WHO IS LEADING THIS RESEARCH?
This research is being conducted by Elena Sopp at the University of Portsmouth and is being supervised by Professor Chris Wagstaff at the University of Portsmouth and
Dr Melissa Day at the University of Chichester.

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URGENT SUPPORT

 

Are you to struggling to cope? Need to talk to someone?

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TEXT SHOUT to

85258

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NEED MEDICAL HELP?

 

If you need medical advice you can book an emergency GP appointment with your GP surgery.​

 

​If you need urgent medical advice call the NHS 111 number.

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If you need immediate medical help or attention call 999 or visit Accident & Emergency (A&E).

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SOCIAL MEDIA

 

As a charity that focuses on improving the mental health and wellbeing of young adults, students, and staff, we have decided not to use social media to promote our work.

 

Based on expert research, we acknowledge that social media can negatively impact mental health, leading to: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, poor sleep habits, loneliness, and self-harm.

 

Should Universities, Colleges, Students' Unions, or our Ambassadors, decide to post content relating to their BRIT Challenge activities on Instagram, we will comment and repost. 

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