Staffordshire FA has joined over 30 leading regional figures to appear in a NHS mental health campaign for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, led by North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust in collaboration with Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust.  

The ‘You Are Not Alone’ campaign brings together representatives from across the NHS, sports, public sector, entertainment, culture, voluntary sector, charities and higher education, along with many regional MPs, to deliver a message of support to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Gareth Thomas, Communications & Relationships Officer, Staffordshire FA, said: “Staffordshire FA were proud to be asked to take part in this important campaign, along with so many other organisations from across the region. Promoting awareness around mental health and importantly the support networks which are available across the region, is something that we continue to do, supported by our member leagues and clubs – many of whom continue to be very proactive in this area. 

“The ‘You Are Not Alone’ campaign delivers an important message of support to the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic, which we will promote to the grassroots football community across Staffordshire, to help spread awareness of the local support which is available.” 

Peter Axon, Chief Executive Officer, North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “These are anxious and worrying times for us all. We know as a mental health trust that demand on our services is increasing and will only increase further due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We are proud that so many regional figures, including Staffordshire FA, have come together with the NHS to reassure our community with the message of ‘You Are Not Alone’. You may be worried, and this is normal. Help and support is here for you.”

The video signposts the community to the 24/7 mental health support telephone numbers available from North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust and Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. 

For further information around some of the mental health initiatives that Staffordshire FA and other local partners are involved in, please email support@staffordshirefa.com 

The full list of participating organisations in ‘You Are Not Alone:

Alan Barrett 
dDeaflinks 
Healthwatch Staffordshire 
Healthwatch Stoke-on-Trent 
Keele University 
Levison Wood and Wolfsong Media 
Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust 
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust 
North Staffs Mind 
Offices of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire MPs 
Office of The Worshipful the Mayor of Stafford Borough Councillor Gareth Jones, Stafford Borough Council 
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent CCGs
Office of the Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime 
Staffordshire County Council 
Staffordshire Football Association 
Staffordshire Police and Fire and Rescue Service
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Shadow Integrated Care System
Staffordshire University 
Steve Howey and Show Racism the Red Card
Office of the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent 
Stoke-on-Trent City Council 
Stoke City F.C 
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust 
University of Wolverhampton 
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