A mental health initiative delivered by Leicestershire County Council giving advice and support has been expanded to offer dedicated help to football clubs.
Mental Health Friendly Clubs is a pilot programme in partnership with Leicestershire & Rutland County FA supporting grassroots football clubs in providing a safe and inclusive environment for adult males experiencing mental health problems or challenges.
Local grassroot clubs have signed up to the project and will receive free Mental Health First Aid Awareness and Suicide Prevention Training.
The training will enable the appropriate members of each club to support their communities by using football to unite and help people on their journey to improved mental health.
Clubs from across Leicestershire are already involved, including Ellistown FC, Harborough Town, Lutterworth Athletic and Sileby Juniors. AFC Andrews in Aylestone are also part of the pilot.
Each club will run weekly or bi-weekly ‘My Space, My Game’ football sessions to encourage men in their local communities to use football as a way to stay active.
Sessions are also designed to foster an environment where players feel comfortable supporting themselves and one another. The football sessions will be casual kickabout events hosted at each club, offering a relaxed, judgement-free space for players to unwind and de-stress each week.
The programme is being delivered by the team behind Mental Health Friendly Places, which is a partnership project led by Public Health in both Leicestershire County Council & Leicester City Council covering Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Councillor Louise Richardson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We’re really pleased to be delivering this pilot. We know Mental Health Friendly Places has been a success, so the chance to tailor our offer towards football clubs in the community is fantastic.
“The support of Leicestershire & Rutland County FA is so important and means we can try and reach more men, who are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
These factors can make it challenging for men to openly address their struggles, despite being just as likely to experiencer issues such as depression, anxiety & stress.
“We’re also hoping to open this up to other sports, such as cricket and rugby, to make sure we maximise our reach.”
Karl Percival from the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA, said: This project is a great opportunity to inspire positive change through football.
“Grassroots football clubs are important parts of local communities and their commitment to supporting both the physical and mental wellbeing of their volunteers, coaches, parents, players and supporters should be commended.
“We are delighted to have the clubs on board, who will play an integral part in helping break down barriers and removing the stigma around men's mental health."
Any football clubs interested in being part of the initiative can email the team for more information.
Anyone interested in joining or taking part in the My Space, My Game sessions can email the FA to find out more.