The EFL & Mind Promote ‘Do One Thing’ Campaign this World Mental Health Day
The EFL and its clubs will once again come together with charity partner, Mind, to collectively mark World Mental Health Day (Saturday 10 October).
With Mind's latest research revealing that more than 60% of adults and over two thirds of young people (68%) felt their mental health deteriorated during the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, encouraging conversations around our own mental health and that of others has never been more important.
Mind's 'do one thing' campaign aims to inspire people to make one small change or take one action to look after their mental health. As part of the campaign, EFL Clubs will play their part and 'do one thing' to say thank you to someone deserving within their local communities.
Here are some examples of what clubs in the South West are doing:
- Forest Green Rovers are looking for their players to surprise an older fan with a garden gate visit which will include some club merchandise.
- Exeter City are looking to host a video chat for a key player to call young a supporter who lost his Dad out of the blue a couple years ago to chat about how it has affected him. The father was a sponsor of the club. The team are also providing all current season ticket holders with a free home or away ticket to keep their spirits up.
- AFC Bournemouth are hosting an online quiz with disability players who still haven't been able to return to their usual football activities, or have found this year particularly difficult.
- Swindon Town FC will be conducting a Q&A session with our community mental health group after one of their training sessions.
From Monday 5th October, Clubs, and Club Community Organisations (CCOs) will be sharing their activity and advice across their channels throughout the week.
Supporters can get involved in the campaign by sharing their 'one thing' of advice or activities across social media.
This is the latest activity by the EFL and Mind, who are currently in Year Three of their ground-breaking charity partnership which aims to raise awareness of mental health amongst fans and the wider public, help raise funds for Mind to deliver life changing services and improve the approach to mental health in the EFL and clubs.
The EFL recently celebrated the impact of the charity partnership over the last two seasons, with the results available to view here - https://www.efl.com/news/2020/august/efl-and-mind-celebrate-two-seasons-on-on-your-side-partnership/
EFL Chief Executive, David Baldwin, said: "It is fantastic to see EFL Clubs come together to once again mark World Mental Health Day and support our charity partner, Mind.
"Looking after our mental health and that of others has always been vital but as we all feel the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, it has never been more important to continue to raise awareness and encourage conversations around the subject.
"The various activity taking place this week is a small example of how our Clubs and their respective Club Community Organisations are at the forefront of tackling some of society's biggest issues. They play a vital role in improving the lives of so many people within communities across the country.
"I'd encourage everyone to get involved and 'do one thing' this week - one small action may have a much bigger impact on those around you and help someone in need."
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, added: "World Mental Health Day 2020 is arguably the most important one yet, so we're delighted to join with our charity partner the EFL and its Clubs for it again.
"The effects of the coronavirus have undoubtedly changed the lives and routines of many fans. Whether that's seeing familiar faces on the terraces on match day or celebrating/commiserating the result with them after, many fans will feel that the current climate has left them less able to do the things that support their mental health.
"Whether it's going for a walk, learning a new skill or doing something creative, taking the first steps to getting support for yourself, or reaching out to someone else; Mind and the EFL are encouraging fans to 'do one thing' for better mental health this World Mental Health Day."
For more information on how to get involved with 'Do One Thing' on World Mental Health Day see mind.org.uk/wmhd
For more information on the EFL and Mind's charity partnership visit - https://www.efl.com/-more/all- about-the-efl/official-charity/
If you need support from Mind visit Mind.org.uk for information and advice. You can also talk to Mind via the confidential Infoline on 0300 123 3393 or text 86463.
