On Sunday 10th October businesses and individuals worldwide came together to recognise World Mental Health Day. This day is a chance to talk about mental health in general, how to look after it, and how important it is to talk and get help if you are struggling.
This year, Blackpool FC Community Trust showed support by inviting Blackpool FC’s, Chris Maxwell, to join some of our participants on a zoom call.
All those invited to join the call with Maxwell have engaged with our community sessions and have openly shared their struggles with mental health. Anita and Jayne have regularly taken part in our Female Team Talk sessions, focused on providing Blackpool fans with social interaction and keeping them connected to the club during the pandemic.
Jayne has been participating in our community activities for the last three years. She attends our NAAFI break, which takes place at The Corner Flag every Wednesday from 10:30 am to 12 pm. Jayne said, “It was really good to have a Zoom chat with Chris Maxwell and a few other BFCCT participants. I have been having a difficult time recently and this cheered me up. Thanks to the Trust for arranging, it and to Chris for kindly giving his time.”
During the Zoom call, they discussed the impact having fans back in the stands has on some players, there is increased pressure at some clubs for them to do well and impress their fans. Maxwell spoke about how lucky he feels to play at a club with fans who are supportive throughout every game.
Rob Frowen, the author of The Long and Winding Road, a book about mental health, also joined the call. He has taken part in several programmes with Blackpool FC Community Trust including, showcasing memorabilia at our Sporting Memories sessions, where a person will receive a special box of memorabilia and an action plan to help with mental health and combating loneliness.
We spoke to Rob about the impact of these opportunities for the people who need a boost, “The Community Trust provide support through great initiatives to highlight the increasing pressures that mental health issues are placing on our communities. With the help of Blackpool Football players, they are raising awareness and boosting the profile of this subject which is particularly crucial as we continue to emerge from the damaging pandemic.”
Not everybody has access to the internet and the ability to use applications such as Zoom. BFCCT have many other sessions available from doorstep visits (current safety measures in place) to welfare phone calls. There are fitness programmes which include mobility aids and a training plan to do at home.
If you know somebody who could benefit from the engagement mentioned, then please get in touch with Blackpool Football Club Community Trust. Email: info@bfcct.co.uk or Call/Text 07597 786098.