Mental Health Awareness Week

Sounds of a matchday boost Newcastle fans

14 May 2021

Find out how a Newcastle United Foundation tool is helping supporters look after their mental wellbeing

This Mental Health Awareness Week, the Premier League is highlighting positive wellbeing activities, stories and resources to raise awareness of mental health and support fans with information that can benefit them.

Newcastle United

For football fans, missing out on the sounds and sensations of a matchday has been one of the parts of weekly life that has hit home the most during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To help supporters look after their mental wellbeing, the Newcastle United Foundation has produced an audio track that transports listeners to a matchday, experiencing the sounds of travelling and getting into the ground, being in the stands and the celebratory roars of a goal.

"We wanted to create something that used the power of football to engage with people who wouldn't normally be interested in health and wellbeing," said Newcastle United Foundation's health and wellbeing manager Ashley Lowe.

"The experience allows listeners to be absorbed in the moment and helps focus the mind on the sounds of a game."

The track is part of the Foundation's Be A Game Changer initiative, which encourages people in the local community to talk openly about mental health and to provide tips on how to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

Robert Waugh is a participant on the Foundation's Walking Football programme and says the noise reminded him of the unique feelings of going to a football match.

"It has helped me remember all the special memories of being at games and I cannot wait to get back," he said.

"It's been tough not being able to go to the matches lately but the track makes me feel upbeat and happy because of the positive themes."

See: Be A Game Changer personal stories