Launch: Football & Mental Health Resource

Berks & Bucks FA have been working with our Charity Partner Sport in Mind to develop a new Football & Mental Health Resource, ahead of World Mental Health Day.

It is estimated that 1 in 4 individuals in the UK will be affected by Mental Health problems in the UK each year, with a large proportion of us feeling uncomfortable discussing this or reaching out for help. The Football & Mental Health Resource aims to provide a greater understanding on the importance of mental health, and guidance on how to look after it. The resource looks at potential ‘triggers’ and highlights the valuable role that sport has played for individuals in their recovery from mental illness.

Football & Mental Health Resource

Physical activity has been recognised as a key facilitator of good mental health, and as a team sport for all, football has the ability to promote this further. Every week football brings together people from all backgrounds, whether that be to participate, coach, officiate or spectate, and we hope this resource will not only engage more individuals into regular football activity, but also be an instigation for greater discussion amongst the existing football family.

Neil Harris, Sport in Mind Founder and CEO stated; “I am absolutely thrilled with the Football and Mental Health booklet that we have created with the Berks and Bucks F.A. To be able to produce such a groundbreaking resource has been something I have wanted to do for a long time. 

“As a charity, we see first hand on a daily basis how sport and physical activity can have such a positive effect on our mental health, and being able to enhance and further educate everyone’s knowledge and understanding of mental health has the potential to transform the football landscape. My goal is to have this resource available to F.A’s all across the country, opening up conversations about mental health, combating stigma and changing lives” 

Liz Verrall, Berks & Bucks FA CEO added “Berks & Bucks FA and Sport in Mind have joined forces to produce this invaluable resource promoting the importance of physical activity in improving and maintaining positive mental health. If our partnership with Sport in Mind and this resource can help support one person through a challenging period in their life, then we will have made a difference

Sport in Mind deliver a number of dedicated football sessions across the County, that are open to all, but can particularly supportive for those who are suffering from poor mental health. For more information on these sessions please visit: www.sportinmind.org or email: info@sportinmind.org