How clubs marked World Mental Health Day

Last week was the latest World Mental Health Day, which aims to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

Across England and Wales, professional football clubs have been highlighting how they deliver a wide variety of mental health programmes throughout the year for people of all ages.

Chelsea

Singer-songwriting star Noah Kahan visited Chelsea's Cobham training ground to meet participants of the Chelsea Champions programme to talk about how important music is to mental wellbeing.

Chelsea Champions, supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers' Association Community Fund, offers secondary schools the opportunity to work with the Chelsea Foundation to improve emotional wellbeing and resilience in students.

"It's important that a team that has a platform makes sure they are representing the people in the community that are struggling," Noah said. "It's a gateway into a world of mental health treatment that people might not have seen otherwise."

West Ham United

To highlight the role that talking plays in mental wellbeing, West Ham players and fans were encouraged to tell their stories.

Jarrod Bowen, Kristie Mewis, Vladimir Coufal explained how they cope with the stresses of being a professional footballer, while former defender Anton Ferdinand listened to supporters and spoke about his own experiences at the West Ham United Foundation's 'Wall of Iron', an interactive space where fans could share messages of hope, encouragement and personal mental health tips.

"People keep things to themselves but this spreads the word, shows you can talk about how you are feeling and give reassurance that help is out there if you need it," said one fan.

Everton

Everton in the Community recently welcomed the 5,000th visitor to The People's Place, its mental health and wellbeing hub.

And for this World Mental Health Day, the club spoke with some of the participants who have benefitted from the wide range of programmes that are delivered at the venue, which is located across the road from Goodison Park.

"I was overwhelmed with the way they treat you," says Peter. "They have got my back and I thank everyone in here because it's given me a lot more confidence."

West Bromwich Albion

The Albion Foundation highlighted the work of their Team Talk programme, which supports mental health and wellbeing through football.

The weekly sessions involve participants attending a well-being cafe, a safe space for them to meet others and talk openly, before heading out for a game of football.

"It's stopped me being so negative, I've learned to be a lot more positive about everything," says participant Sam. "I've learned to be a lot more approachable, I used to be really closed off, quite scared to talk to people. Now I'll happily go and talk to anyone, I don't mind."

Read more: The Albion Foundation support World Mental Health Day 2024

Manchester United

Manchester United Foundation participants from Premier League Kicks and Bolton St Catherine's Academy gave their perspectives on mental wellbeing as they were questioned by first-team stars Christian Eriksen and Aoife Mannion.

They were asked about what advice they would give to someone who was struggling, how people can look after their mental health and the importance of talking and communication.

Stoke City

As part of the Premier League Inspires programme, young people are given the opportunity to develop and deliver a social action project for their local community. 

This year's Challenge focused on mental health and Stoke City Community Trust's winning team from Ormiston Sir Stanley Matthews Academy have created a safe space for students to be themselves, take time out and look after their mental wellbeing.

At the heart of the space is a permanent metal mental wellbeing tree, which has inscribed on it numerous supportive and inspirational messages.

First-team player Junior Tchamadeu attended the official opening of the tree and said: "It's a great project. It gives the kids that extra motivation, some of the messages motivated me."

Sheffield Wednesday

The Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme helps to improve confidence and reduce anxiety in schoolchildren through Premier League Primary Stars.

Archie is one of those young people who have benefitted from the programme, which uses the appeal of football to inspire children aged five to 11 to be active and develop essential skills.

"Since we started Premier League Primary Stars with Archie, his progression in terms of his academic skills, reading, literacy work, social skills and the issues with his anxiety have come along massively," says Brett Pitcher, Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme participation manager. "I'm really proud of him."

Newcastle United

Players from Newcastle United's men's and women's squads came together this World Mental Health Day to share messages and advice about mental wellbeing for the whole community.

These quotes have been placed on the inside of InPost lockers and linked to Newcastle United Foundation's Be A Game Changer programme, which encourages people to speak about their mental health.

"We all need to encourage each other to open up more and set a positive example for the younger generation," said Magpies defender Dan Burn.

"When they see a Premier League footballer discussing the same challenges they're facing, it makes them more comfortable when speaking openly."

Read more: Newcastle United players open up to share wellbeing advice

Aston Villa

In Birmingham, the Aston Villa Foundation run free weekly TeamWork Football sessions and workshops for young adults aged 18-35.

The programme is designed for anybody with mental health issues the opportunity to improve their wellbeing.

"It's had a massive impact," says Jack,  an Aston Villa Foundation support worker. "You come here and it's something to do to occupy the mind."

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest Community Trust reminded people of their partnership with the Bottled Up Blokes programme, which provides a safe and non-judgmental place for men to talk about mental health.

Last year, first-team left-back Harry Toffolo visited one of the sessions to meet the participants and talk about his own mental health experiences.

"It's an incredible initiative," Toffolo said. "It's almost like a brothers in arms feeling in there. People from different walks of life are now friends through sharing their difficulties. I feel really privileged to speak with them."

Inside Matters

The Premier League's Inside Matters campaign highlights this year-round work and supports fans to kick-off a conversation around mental health.

The campaign is supported by clubs, players and managers, who reveal their own struggles, encourage fans to talk, as well as highlighting places where people can get help if they are struggling.

Read more: Inside Matters