Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), the Premier League campaign unites clubs across the division with the aim of encouraging fans to check in on each other and increase dialogue about their mental wellbeing.
New research commissioned by the Premier League reveals that 84 per cent of fans believe football helps start conversations, with 82 per cent comfortable talking about their own mental health. More than two thirds (68 per cent) say they would talk to the friends they see at football about their mental health, which rises to 83 per cent among young men aged 18-34.
To help fans kick-off those conversations, the Premier League has collaborated with the Mental Health Foundation to provide questions and advice which support people with discussions on mental wellbeing. Fans can find these resources and a range of Inside Matters content at www.premierleague.com/insidematters.
UNITED AS ONE
Newcastle United continues to use football as a tool to engage locals across a number of bespoke programmes tailored to support mental health and wellbeing. Alongside projects led by the Newcastle United Foundation, the club's work in this area is encompassed by the United As One campaign which champions equality, diversity and inclusion.
Memory Café
Newcastle United's Memory Café has cemented its place as the region's biggest football drop-in session for those living with life-changing illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
The Memory Café welcomes former Newcastle United players to discuss games and goals of years gone by, stimulating conversation amongst attendees. Each monthly session at St. James' Park supports fans and their families, with an average of 50 attendees joining the drop-in clinics.
Assisting fans who suffer from memory loss illnesses, and helping to tackle social isolation, the Memory Café has reached more than 3,000 participants since being established in 2019.
Each session is free to attend and people can register their interest by contacting the club on [email protected] or telephone via 0191 201 8407.
Be a Game Changer
Be A Game Changer is Newcastle United Foundation's mental health awareness campaign, encouraging everyone to talk openly and take a proactive approach towards looking after their mental wellbeing.
Launched in 2019, the campaign uses the strength of the Newcastle United badge to raise awareness of mental wellbeing amongst people in the North East, via a variety of resources.
Awareness activities has included creation of mental health support cards, distributed to 10,000 supporters at Newcastle United fixtures annually. Each card features information on how to contact the Foundation's 24/7 helpline, delivering an invaluable service for fans experiencing mental health challenges.
More information about the Be A Game Changer campaign can be found here.
Walking Football
Newcastle United Foundation's Walking Football sessions aim to inspire footballers of all abilities to enjoy spending time on the pitch and socialising with friends old and new in a safe and respectful environment.
Providing a route back into sport, sessions are ideal for individuals who may have been inactive for a while, who want to improve their fitness or who are simply looking for an opportunity to socialise.
