Jenny Patrickson: mental health qualification gaining interest
By Tom Walker
A new qualification focusing on mental health – one of the first of its kind for the physical activity and fitness industry – is creating interest across the sector.
Officially recognised as a Level 2 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), the qualification has been created by Active IQ.
Jenny Patrickson, Active IQ managing director, described the new award as a key focus for the company.
Speaking to HCM at the recent Elevate conference, Patrickson said: "The new Level 2 Award focusing on mental health comprises two units: Mental Health Awareness and Mental Health First Aid.
"It's going really well and we've had interest from colleges, private training providers, apprenticeship providers and also employers who are beginning to realise the importance of their staff being able to identify mental health issues and know how to signpost individuals to help and support where it's needed."
Patrickson added that the mental health award is one of many new qualifications launched by Active IQ recently.
She also revealed details about a new coaching qualification – created in partnership with double Olympic champion Max Whitlock – aimed at ensuring more children participate in gymnastics.
Patrickson spoke to HCM at the recent Elevate conference
A new qualification focusing on mental health – one of the first of its kind for the physical
activity and fitness industry – is creating interest across the sector.
Collaborations with the medical profession and greater aspirations around wellbeing are creating a need for more experts in our sector. It’s time to reboot our thinking around the workforce
Strength training is evolving,
driven by changing consumer
preferences. Julie Cramer talks
to innovators about how their
products are meeting this demand
As the entrepreneur who started Wexer, Fresh Fitness, Fitness DK and Repeat, as well as being a former elite athlete, Rasmus Ingerslev’s life looked perfect from the outside, but onthe inside it was a different story. He talks to Kath Hudson about healing old wounds
Celebrating its milestone 5th anniversary, W3Fit EMEA returns in 2026 with an unmissable
gathering of the Health & Fitness industry’s most influential leaders.
UK Active has announced the next phase of its Digital Futures programme, supporting organisations
across the physical activity sector to develop their digital capability.
The Fitness Group, the UK's leading fitness education training provider, has announced a
strategic partnership with Serco Leisure, one of the UK's leading national operators of
leisure centres, destination venues and elite sporting facilities.
Jenny Patrickson: mental health qualification gaining interest
By Tom Walker
A new qualification focusing on mental health – one of the first of its kind for the physical activity and fitness industry – is creating interest across the sector.
Officially recognised as a Level 2 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), the qualification has been created by Active IQ.
Jenny Patrickson, Active IQ managing director, described the new award as a key focus for the company.
Speaking to HCM at the recent Elevate conference, Patrickson said: "The new Level 2 Award focusing on mental health comprises two units: Mental Health Awareness and Mental Health First Aid.
"It's going really well and we've had interest from colleges, private training providers, apprenticeship providers and also employers who are beginning to realise the importance of their staff being able to identify mental health issues and know how to signpost individuals to help and support where it's needed."
Patrickson added that the mental health award is one of many new qualifications launched by Active IQ recently.
She also revealed details about a new coaching qualification – created in partnership with double Olympic champion Max Whitlock – aimed at ensuring more children participate in gymnastics.
Patrickson spoke to HCM at the recent Elevate conference
A new qualification focusing on mental health – one of the first of its kind for the physical
activity and fitness industry – is creating interest across the sector.
Collaborations with the medical profession and greater aspirations around wellbeing are creating a need for more experts in our sector. It’s time to reboot our thinking around the workforce
Strength training is evolving,
driven by changing consumer
preferences. Julie Cramer talks
to innovators about how their
products are meeting this demand
As the entrepreneur who started Wexer, Fresh Fitness, Fitness DK and Repeat, as well as being a former elite athlete, Rasmus Ingerslev’s life looked perfect from the outside, but onthe inside it was a different story. He talks to Kath Hudson about healing old wounds
If the health service is to
survive, we must recognise
that it is a disease service
– and that wellbeing rests with
us, says the activity advocate
and healthy ageing champion.
He talks to Kate Cracknell
For every member with a tripod and a big following, there are others irritated at the way equipment is being hogged or wary they’ll be in the background on someone’s Insta feed. Do influencers offer valuable, free marketing or are they just a nuisance? Kath Hudson finds out how operators are responding
Celebrating its milestone 5th anniversary, W3Fit EMEA returns in 2026 with an unmissable
gathering of the Health & Fitness industry’s most influential leaders.
UK Active has announced the next phase of its Digital Futures programme, supporting organisations
across the physical activity sector to develop their digital capability.
The Fitness Group, the UK's leading fitness education training provider, has announced a
strategic partnership with Serco Leisure, one of the UK's leading national operators of
leisure centres, destination venues and elite sporting facilities.