Scotland’s biggest mental health charity is backing Team Scotland Roller Derby as they get ready to skate onto the world stage — and the players say the support goes far beyond just wearing a logo.
An Unlikely Partnership With Huge Impact
This July, Team Scotland Roller Derby will hit the track at the Roller Derby World Cup in Innsbruck, Austria, with more than medals on their minds.
SAMH — the Scottish Action for Mental Health — has stepped up to sponsor the team. That means the charity’s name and iconic logo will be emblazoned on the players’ strips for the next 12 months.
One line: But this isn’t just branding — it’s about a message.
More Than Just a Game
Alex Cumming, Executive Director at SAMH, summed it up pretty well. He called Scottish Roller Derby the “gold standard for inclusivity”.
It’s true. This full-contact sport has made a name for itself as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ players and fans, as well as folks who are neurodivergent.
“It’s flexible, it’s gender-inclusive, and it keeps cost from becoming a barrier,” said Cumming. “This is about creating spaces where mental health is protected.”
A Safe Space With Skates On
Head Coach Lianne ‘Legs’ Parry says the sense of community is what makes Roller Derby special.
One short line: Newbies are welcome.
Parry explains that experienced players mentor the fresh faces. The result? Everyone gets a shot, and no one’s left out.
“That sense of support really helps people feel safe,” she said.
Players Feel The Difference
Helena Joy, who skates for Team Scotland, didn’t mince words about what the sport has done for her.
“Roller Derby has been an avenue into taking care of myself, and thinking about what my body can do instead of what it looks like,” she said.
One short line: That’s powerful stuff.
She added: “You don’t have to look like anyone else — you’re valuable. That helps my mental health massively.”
Where It All Began
SAMH’s involvement with Roller Derby goes back a few years.
In 2018, Edinburgh’s Auld Reekie Roller Derby team was one of the first clubs to sign up for Scotland’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport. That charter was launched back in 2016 and got the nod from Sir Chris Hoy himself.
One line: It’s all about knocking down the walls that keep people from joining in.
A Sport For Everyone
Roller Derby clubs across Scotland work hard to keep prices low so no one’s priced out.
One line: It’s not just about tickets or gear.
Some clubs have flexible fees, others run open skates for people who want to try it out without breaking the bank.
A Reminder That Community Matters
Parry says it best — this sport is fun, loud, supportive, and always evolving.
Here’s what makes the community tick:
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Everyone helps each other out
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Matches double as social events
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There’s always space for newcomers
She said: “There’s an opportunity for everybody to get involved.”
The Bigger Picture: Sport And Mental Health
The link between physical activity and mental health has been well documented. According to SAMH, people who get regular exercise are up to 30% less likely to experience depression.
That matters in Scotland, where charities like SAMH say demand for mental health support is at record levels.
One short line: For many, sport is part of the solution.
A Team That Represents More
Team Scotland’s Roller Derby squad will be skating not just for goals and rankings — but for the message that everyone belongs.
Cumming said: “We’re proud to feature on these iconic kits — and everything they represent.”
