We all have mental health and, just like with our physical health, we need to take care of it. But every year 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem. That is why we are proud to be working with Mind, the mental health charity...
We are looking forward to welcoming Mind to our upcoming match against Port Vale on Saturday 11th January 2019. They will be at the game to raise awareness of mental health and to raise funds to support their vital work.
Mind is a national charity with a federated network of independent, local charities. Our local Mind – Mind in Mid Herts will be running the collection at the game, so please give generously.
Mind is the current charity partner of the EFL – you will have probably spotted their logo on the back of club shirts. Together with Mind and the EFL, we are using the power of football to raise awareness of mental health, to improve the approach to mental health in football and to raise funds to deliver life changing support.
Mind’s own research shows that over half of people (56 per cent) feel that football fans find it easier to show their emotions at football matches than at any other time. Despite this the charity also knows that many fans, particularly men, are likely to be struggling in silence for fear of opening up about their mental health. Mind hopes mental health-themed match days like this will begin to open up the conversation among football fans about their mental health as well as raising awareness about the support Mind offers.
The charity Matchday will include:
- A bucket collection before the match to support vital local mental health services provided by Stevenage Football Club's local Mind branch – Mind in Mid Herts.
- Information about mental health and Mind throughout the ground and in the Digital Matchday Programme.
- Announcements & Interviews about the day over the tannoy.
As well as donating to the Matchday Bucket Collection, supporters can play their part and help support Mind by visiting the Club Shop ahead of kick-off to purchase your Stevenage FC bespoke Mind Pin Badge for £3.50.
You can also text FOOTBALL to 70660 to donate £3. Full T&C’s.
In other Mind related news, funding has recently been approved from Sport England and the National Lottery to allow Stevenage Football Club Foundation and Mind in Mid Herts to support people across Hertfordshire suffering with their mental health to access exercise sessions through the Get Set to Go Programme.
Stevenage FC Foundation Healthy Lifestyles Manager, Hannah Marsh said, "We are very proud of our partnership with Mind and we welcome the team and volunteers to the match on Saturday.
"It is a privilege to be in a position where we can we can help local people improve their mental health through the programmes that we run, where we take a focus on promoting positive health and wellbeing.
"The soon to launch Get Set to Go programme is a fantastic example of partnership work between the Foundation and Mind in Mid Herts, giving those who may be suffering with mental health difficulties to access free, friendly exercise sessions that offer support to those who need it.
"Please help Mind to continue offer their invaluable support in the community by donating what you can on Saturday."
For more details on the Get Set to Go programme, please contact Hannah Marsh, Healthy Lifestyles Manager: HannahM@stevenagefc.com or Callum Kwasnik, Outreach Worker: Callum.Kwasnik@mindinmidherts.org.
For more information on our partnership with Mind visit: Mind.org.uk/OnYourSide
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