Mind and EFL raise awareness of mental health
- Mind and EFL try to improve approaches to mental health
- Hear Cameron’ story and learn how talking helps
- Watch the EFL and Mind’s video below
Mind became the EFL’s Official Charity Partner last season with a goal to enhance and improve the way that football, sport and society approaches mental health.
Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem. With over 21 million fans attending EFL matches each season (and 55 million watching on TV), Mind and the EFL hope that the increased visibility of mental health at matches will promote awareness and understanding among new audiences. Through the partnership Mind also work directly with EFL Clubs and their Community Trusts/Foundations to improve mental health support within the clubs and their wider communities.
Research conducted by Mind last year showed that over half of people (56%) agree that football fans find it easier to show their emotions at football matches than at any other time. It also found that a third of people would find it easier to explain the ‘offside rule’ to friends or family than what mental health is, with men twice as likely to agree with this as women (40% to 21%).
Mind and the EFL want to show that if things get tough, they have your back too. Last season, a new lettering design incorporating part of Mind’s logo into the player name featured on the back of every EFL shirt was launched across all 72 Clubs for the first time in English football. That will continue into this season.
This new concept helped Cameron.
Cameron had always seemed like a confident guy, and no one would have guessed anything was wrong. But behind closed doors, he was struggling.
Then, at the beginning of the football season, a small change to his clubs’ shirt helped him make a big change in his life…
Mind’s ground-breaking collaboration with the EFL (English Football League), was recognised at the 2019 Sports Business Awards. In a highly competitive category, the partnership received the Silver Award for Best Sports Charity (or best use of sport by a charity) at the ceremony held in London.
Like football, life has its ups and downs… If you or someone you know is struggling, Mind’s Infoline is a safe and confidential place to talk to someone and get support. Talk to Mind on 0300 123 3393 or text on 86463. You can also find information and advice at Mind.org.uk.
