This is, without question, the most important work of my career so far, writes Dr Jamie Marshall, Research Fellow at Edinburgh Napier University.
Over the past few years, my work has focused on understanding and developing physical and emotional safe spaces within sport-for-development and community mental health contexts. I’ve seen first-hand how critical these environments are—whether supporting young people on Scottish beaches with the Wave Project, or working alongside organisations across the world delivering sport-based interventions.
This isn’t just professional. On a personal level, I’ve also experienced how access to safe, supportive spaces can shape mental health during some of the most difficult periods of life.
Our research at Edinburgh Napier University consistently points to one clear conclusion: without physical and emotional safety, even the best-designed interventions will fall short. Safe spaces are not an optional extra—they are foundational, non-negotiable, and should be a primary implementation priority in any meaningful mental health programme.
To support this, we’ve developed a new interactive online CPD course, developed through applied, real-world research at Edinburgh Napier University, focused on creating and sustaining physical and emotional safe spaces within sport-for-development contexts. It’s not intended to be definitive or exhaustive, but rather a structured starting point—designed to prompt critical reflection and support practitioners to take practical, thoughtful steps in their own settings.
The course is aimed at coaches, volunteers, intervention leads, and students working in this space. On completion, you’ll receive an Edinburgh Napier certificate—and for the cost of a couple of coffees, it’s an accessible way to begin or deepen your journey in this area.
We’re offering a 50% discount for those based in LMICs, and are also happy to discuss bespoke organisational packages.
If this resonates with your work, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Email me at j.marshall4@napier.ac.uk