Officials Mental Health & Wellbeing Working Group

We’re delighted to announce the formation of the scottishathletics Officials Mental Health & Wellbeing Working Group.

This working group have come together to build upon the strong, successful partnership between scottishathletics and Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), bringing the successes of the partnership into the scottishathletics officials workforce.

This experienced group have shown commitment to, and passion for, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the officiating workforce across Scotland, and exist to create mental health and wellbeing programmes, resources, and support, developed by officials, for officials.

Below is an introduction to the group, and a background to their role and passion for mental health and wellbeing support:

Jan Gammage

I have been involved with Scottish Athletics as a field official for 6 years. My journey has been full of learning, fun and friendships. Working with athletes of all ages and abilities has been both enjoyable and inspirational. My interest in getting involved in this group is fuelled by my own experience of anxiety and depression, and I would like to be involved in raising awareness within our group of officials with the support of SAMH and scottishathletics.

Margaret-Ann MacLachlan

I’ve been a track and endurance official for over 30 years, and I continue to pay back to the sport that gave so much to my children. I enjoy helping others and being part of something bigger than myself. In addition, I have many years of experience working within mental health services, and I believe that mental ill health does impact all walks of life. I support the view that raising awareness and being available to talk can make all the difference for some.

Nicola Cameron

I have volunteered with scottishathletics for 11 years, becoming a photo finish official in 2017. I enjoy being part of a team, helping to produce results with ever-changing technology. I became more aware of SAMH during the Glasgow World Athletics Indoor Championships in 2024, working and training with them before and during the event. I benefited greatly from the SAMH support which make the event a much more pleasant and enjoyable experience. I feel that working further with SAMH would be beneficial to scottishathletics officials.

Staff Support

The working group are also supported by the following staff from scottishathletics and SAMH:

David Fallon, Head of Development, scottishathletics

Shona Malcolm-Martin, OBE, Officials Development Officer, scottishathletics 

Robert Nesbitt, Head of Physical Activity and Sport, SAMH

Ryan Wood, Partnership Development Lead, SAMH

Kirsty Ewen, Physical Activity Partnership and Development Coordinator, SAMH