Staffordshire Football Association is keen to ensure that everyone involved in grassroots football across the county is aware of the importance of mental health, and importantly, the support networks available to any individual or organisation affected 

The Association is currently working closely with a number of local organisations – including professional clubs community trusts, mental health charities, and grassroots football clubs who have been affected by mental health issues – to raise awareness of mental health and the support network which is available across Staffordshire.

This is an area of work which is continually developing and we will continue to ensure that the information provided is regularly updated as that support network develops, but in the meantime please find below information on the support networks and local case studies across Staffordshire. 

Why is mental health important for people involved in grassroots football?

Mental health problems are extremely common. One in four people will experience a mental health problem in any one year, and over 10% of people have depression at any one time. When players have a physical injury like a broken leg, clubs can’t do much except for wait for it to heal. Mental health problems are harder to see. But the way that coaches and team-mates behave can make things much better or worse – so it’s important for clubs and coaches to have an awareness of mental health.

What support networks are available?

Please find below a number of links to national organisations who provide support to individuals and organisations who are affected by mental health issues. Staffordshire FA is working closely with various local organisations to develop a bespoke list of organisations throughout the County. This is very much a piece of work in progress and this page will be regularly updated as those conversations develop – but in the meantime please also find attached to this web page local information provided by North Staffs Mind (support services in North Staffordshire).

Organisation	Contact
Brighter Futures	www.brighter-futures.org.uk
CALM	www.thecalmzone.net
Childline	www.childline.org.uk
Mind	www.mind.org.uk
Men Unite	www.menunite.org
NHS Choices	www.nhs.uk
Papyrus	www.papyrus-uk.org
Rethink Mental Illness	www.rethink.org
Samaritans	www.samaritans.org
Young Minds	www.youngminds.org.uk
Young Minds' Parents Helpline	www.youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-helpline
Youth Access Directory of Services	www.youthaccess.org.uk/services/find-your-local-service
Youth Wellbeing Directory	www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/youth-wellbeing
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Wellbeing Service	staffsandstokewellbeing.nhs.uk
South Staffordshire Access number	0808 196 3002. This is a Freephone number that’s monitored 24/7. (Access is a 24/7/365 telephone service. They complete initial telephone assessments and offer a helpline service for those seeking urgent mental health care.)

What activity is taking place locally to support Mental Health? 

Please find below information on football sessions being delivered locally by professional clubs' community trusts, along with a new Mental Wellbeing League being launched in Staffordshire:

• Burton Albion Community Trust - TBC

• Port Vale Foundation - TBC

• Stoke City Community Trust

Mental Wellbeing Football Sessions

Fridays
3pm till 4.30pm 
Longton Rugby Club
See flyer/contact details HERE

Lets Talk Football - see flyer HERE

• Staffordshire Mental Wellbeing League

We are pleased to confirm the re-launch of the Staffordshire Mental Wellbeing League, starting on Friday 30 July 2021 until Friday 17th December 2021.

The monthly 6 v 6 wellbeing league will take place in Stoke on Trent on a Friday afternoon on a monthly basis, providing players with an opportunity to take part in competitive fixtures, keep fit as well as socialise with other teams and players. The first season will run from July to December 2021 and we are therefore inviting players, teams and groups aged 18+ to enter a team and get involved.

For more information and to register a team please click here 

Raising awareness – local and national stories

Please find below links to some very powerful case study stories, both locally and nationally, which help to raise awareness of this important subject across the football community. 

THE FA

BBC SPORT 

There is also a document below that can be downloaded to find a wide range of support services in Staffordshire should you need them. 

DOWNLOAD HERE

OTHER RESOURSES AVAILABLE

Callum’s Destiny

A confidential place to be for friends and family aged 18 plus who have been affected by suicide

“Be excellent to each other” – Jackson Cummings

A confidential place to be for men aged 18 plus. 

HEADS UP

The FA Community Shield supported by McDonald’s between Liverpool and Manchester City kicked-off the Heads Up campaign and a season of activities aimed at driving the biggest ever conversation on mental health.

To read more, CLICK HERE