On World Mental Health Day, which aims to raise awareness of mental health issues across the globe, Premier League clubs and players have reaffirmed the support they offer people in the local community.
Harry Kane
The Tottenham Hotspur striker has been working with the Premier League on new resilience-themed resources in Premier League Primary Stars for schoolchildren.
The free-to-download materials will be made available to all primary schools across England and Wales and will include lesson plans, toolkits and the "Harry Kane: Resilience" animation that features Kane sharing the power of positive thinking.
This #WMHD, @HKane surprised children from a local Enfield primary school at our Training Centre 💙
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 10, 2022
They became the first to try out the new Premier League Primary Stars resilient resources from the Harry Kane Foundation 👏#WorldMentalHealthDay pic.twitter.com/XrKuo4zZhH
"I am incredibly proud to be collaborating with the Premier League on this project I hope to make a difference in some young people's lives," Kane said.
"It is a real passion of mine to help inspire the next generation and support them to understand just how far you can go with hard work, dedication, and self-belief. I hope this resource offers some inspiration, practical skills, and empowerment that young people can take with them into everyday life."
This work will form part of the Harry Kane Foundation, which launched this week with a long-term goal to help transform a generation's thinking about mental health.
I'm very proud to launch the Harry Kane Foundation - it marks the start of a journey for me as my Foundation aims to transform a generation’s thinking about mental health. pic.twitter.com/oZzNcviyp3
— Harry Kane (@HKane) October 10, 2022
West Ham United
The friends and family of West Ham fan Gary Billings have marked World Mental Health Day by remembering his life and urging others to speak out about mental health issues.
Gary took his own life at the start of the year and his loved ones are telling his story to encourage other men to share their feelings and to get help before it is too late.
In 2022, West Ham fan Gary Billings tragically took his own life.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) October 10, 2022
Listen to the story of the passing of Gary, and how his loved ones are using his story to make a difference. 👇#WorldMentalHealthDay pic.twitter.com/BFaFev8ct5
"If I was to tell anyone who was in the same situation as Gary, speak out. Everyone will listen," said Gary's partner Kerry.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of. Pride doesn't come into it. Don't be in the situation that we're all in where we are missing him and not being able to see him anymore."
Newcastle United
Magpies head coach Eddie Howe visited a walking football and Football Talks session to raise awareness of how the support group helps participants discuss wellbeing issues.
We are proud to be supporting #WorldMentalHealthDay.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 10, 2022
Last week, Eddie Howe visited a walking football and Football Talks session at the home of @NU_Foundation.
He spoke openly about his own dealings with mental health and the steps that can be taken to get people talking. 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/WPGak7Chmn
The group was formed by the Newcastle United Foundation during the pandemic and gives people the chance to take part in physical exercise as well as the opportunity to address challenge such as social isolation and anxiety.
"You aren't always aware about people, their routines and what they are going through, but when you hear people talking about the walking football and the impact it has had, not only on their health but their mental wellbeing, it is powerful," said Howe. "It's helping to give a new purpose to get up on a morning and keep fit - there's so many positives to take from it."
Chelsea
Blues head coach Graham Potter sat down with midfielder Jorginho, Chelsea Women's captain Magdalena Eriksson and Academy defender Bashir Humphreys to talk about mental health.
They talked about a wide variety of subjects, including commitment, confidence, motivation, raising a family and dealing with the highs and lows of professional sport.
Southampton
The south-coast club have announced the creation of a new programme "Saints By Your Side", will which help men with their mental health. The face-to-face support programme, run by the Saints Foundation, will offer advice and guidance to help fans and the people of Southampton better manage their mental wellbeing.
Saints midfielder Mohamed Elyounoussi helped launched the programme and he said: "Mental health is something that affects us all, and having an open-minded community and support system around you can make a huge difference."
Manchester City
More than 250 young community leaders from across the world, who are part of the club's Cityzens Giving programme, came together digitally recently to discuss mental wellbeing, teamwork, confidence, self-esteem and resilience through football.
To mark World Mental Health Day, #CityzensGiving Young Leaders from around the world connected via Webex by @Cisco to discuss the power of football to support young people with their mental health and wellbeing. ✨
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 10, 2022
Find out more 👇
"We hope the conversations had in these forums will continue to inspire them to develop as coaches and advocates for mental health in their local communities," said Jason El-Kaleh, Community Outreach Officer for Mental Health at City in the Community.
In 2020, Premier League joined the United Kingdom's football family in signing the "Mentally Healthy Football Declaration", committing to make mental health a key priority at all levels of the game.
The Premier League also has its #StayWell hub which has a focus on mental health, with tips and guidance from experts, clubs and players.