The FSA has partnered with the UK’s largest mental health charity, Mind, to promote mental health awareness across our community-owned clubs’ network and among FSA staff.
This builds on #YouAreEnough which is a grassroots, supporter-driven mental health awareness programme that has been running for eight years at Dunstable Town. #YouAreEnough will be expanded nationally by the FSA with the support of Mind, the mental health charity.
We want to promote mental health awareness and support within football clubs and the local community ensuring that fans, volunteers and players know “you are enough and you matter.”
- Want to hear more and get involved at your club? Email: [email protected]
How does it work?
Community-owned clubs are “matched” with their local Mind to build direct, local partnerships. Each club appoints a mental health liaison – this could be a staff member or a volunteer with decision making authority.
They can then promote Mind’s mental health campaigns on the club’s social media, organise fundraising activities for their local Mind, arrange staff/volunteer mental health awareness training, be present at all home matches and explore other local partnerships.
Case study
Dunstable Town and Mind BLMK (Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes) have been working together since 2017, with the joint aim of increasing mental health awareness and support locally.
Activities have included showcasing the Mind BLMK logo on the first team’s home and away shirts, and promoting mental health through matchday programmes and advertising boards.
The club have also helped to deliver mental health peer support groups, including one for people who may be lonely and socially isolated, as well as a Walking Football group.
In addition they now have trained mental health first aiders who are available to support at homes matches, provide mental health awareness sessions for first team players and have two mental health ambassadors to liaise with an increasing number of supporters, co-owners, volunteers and sponsors.
More useful links:
Alongside Mind, who make sure no-one has to face mental health challenges alone, there are many other organisations who provide support in different areas:
- Age UK – call 0800 678 1602 8am-7pm
- Alcoholics Anonymous or call 0800 9177 650
- Andy’s Man Club
- CALMzone – call 0800 585858
- Childline or call 0800 1111
- Mental Health First Aid (England)
- Mental Health First Aid (Wales)
- Mental Health Matters
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline – call 0808 2000 247
- National Gambling Helpline or call 0808 8020 133
- Samaritans – 116 123 call any time for free
- SHOUT 85258 – a text-only 24 hour confidential mental health support service – text 85258
For medical advice call the NHS on 111.
