Former British swimming star Michael Jamieson has become an ambassador for Laureus and will focus on mental health and wellbeing issues, the global sports charity has announced.

The 29-year-old Scot, who an Olympic silver in the 200 metres breaststroke at London 2012, revealed his struggles with depression when he retired from competitive sport last year.

Since then, the Glaswegian has started coaching and has become a campaigner for better duty of care in sport.

It is that work that he hopes to build on through Laureus, which is perhaps best known for its annual world awards but also uses famous sportspeople and heavyweight sponsors to help youngsters around the globe.

Jamieson’s first event for Laureus on Friday was with the London-based Carney’s Community, which uses boxing to keep disadvantaged youngsters away from crime and help them find work and further education.

“It is an honour for me to join Laureus as an ambassador for the crucial and transformational work they do around the world,” said Jamieson.

“Sport has played, and continues to play such an important role in my life, and spending time speaking to the young people at Carney’s Community today just reminds me of the positive and life-changing impact sport can have.”

Laureus Academy member and fellow Scot Sir Chris Hoy said: “Michael’s passion for the positive impact sport can have makes him the perfect ambassador for the work we do.”