By Luc Gauci Green, Third Year, English and History
Epigram sat down with the Student Union (SU) Sport and Student Development Officer, Ella Lovibond, to discuss her new initiative: the Injury Support Group.
Ella explained that the group meets every Friday from 9am-12pm, but is very flexible and students can drop in and out of whichever part of the sessions that they like. The sessions include coffees and chats, talks on the psychology of being injured (which can be found on the UoB Active App in case you miss it), and chances to do your rehabilitation programme with others.
Ella highlighted how lonely and frustrating being injured can be – experiencing her own fair share – and hopes to eliminate these feelings by allowing members the chance to talk about it with people who understand. For many athletes talking about an injury can feel like burdening friends or family, hence Ella's main goal is to encourage open conversations that can change your outlook on your injury. To the sceptical student she says there is little to lose and lots to gain with the 'chance to build character and grow as an athlete and a person while recovering.'
With first-hand experience in the Bristol Bears' injury support group, 'Bear with us', Ella recognises the positive impacts these sessions have on recovering athletes, 'When I was injured, I found it really important to have other people to do my rehab with and check in with people who were going through the same things.' Through her own struggle with injury, Ella noticed the need for something similar at the university and was inspired to bring the idea into existence (although she’s still working on a pun to name the group).
Despite experiencing sport at the top tier, Ella stresses the importance of the group’s accessibility for all.
'I’ve come from a high performing environment but I know that there are so many people who get injured and that can be the end of their sport for them. The higher-level teams probably have that bit more support but it’s for the lower level teams, people who aren’t even with a club, who really need the support most. It’s mainly for them I’d say, that’s what I was really pushing for rather than just the performance teams.'
The group is truly for all students, no matter the level of sports they play. With lots of scope for growth and change, student feedback is key to ensuring that members get the support they need. Ella has many ideas for the direction of the group, including cold water dips, but wants to prioritise student feedback in guiding this.
After three successful sessions, Ella has already received plenty of positive feedback and hopes for the group to continue its growth. So remember, drop in sessions are every Friday 9am-12pm, learn a bit more about yourself and your injury, talk to others going through the same thing, and Ella will hope to see you there.
Find the sign up form attached: Injury Support Group | Sport, Exercise and Health | University of Bristol
Featured image: courtesy of Bristol SU.
