EFL CHUFFED AT MIND LINK-UP...
Mental health charity is partner
THE EFL have announced that mental health charity Mind will become their new official charity partner from the start of next season – and they believe it can be a ground-breaking partnership.
With one in four individuals affected by mental health problems, the EFL will work with their network of 72 clubs and community trusts to promote Mind’s message and services to millions nationwide with four ambitions to promote better mental health: 1) Support EFL players, managers and staff 2) Raise awareness about mental health with fans, clubs and staff 3) Raise funds to deliver lifechanging support 4) Improve the approach to
mental health in the EFL, in football and in wider society
Mind were chosen to become the EFL’s new charity partner on an initial two-year term following a robust tender process.
Campaign
A high-profile campaign will be developed to ensure everyone experiencing a mental health problem knows how to get support, with clear messaging and advice to be communicated through all 72 clubs, community activity and online promotion.
EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “The partnership between the EFL and Mind offers us a unique opportunity to foster positive health and wellbeing of millions of individuals who have a connection with football, whether they are players, supporters or work within the game.
“We know that improving mental health is a huge challenge in society, especially for men, but through this partnership we will be proud to help raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma and hopefully have a positive impact on the lives of millions of individuals who currently suffer in silence.”
Mind chief executive Paul Farmer said: “We are delighted to be working with the EFL on this exciting new partnership which we hope will be a gamechanger in increasing awareness and understanding of mental health and raising vital funds to support Mind’s work.
“Football brings millions of people together and is a great platform to start positive conversations.”
And Mind president Stephen Fry added: “As a lifelong Norwich City fan and president of Mind, I am delighted the EFL have decided to put a focus on mental health. I hope that all 72 EFL clubs, their players and fans get firmly behind this work.”
Legacy
Meanwhile, the EFL have confirmed that a legacy relationship will remain in place with current charity partner Prostate Cancer UK beyond the end of this season.
Over the last six years, the EFL have forged a highly successful partnership with Prostate Cancer UK that has raised over £3m of life-changing funds for the cause, reached millions of football supporters and raised awareness of the disease which now kills one man every 45 minutes in the UK.
The EFL have committed to support and promote the highly popular ‘Football to Amsterdam’ cycle ride which takes place at the end of every season and has become a firm fixture in the football calendar.
Support to Prostate Cancer UK will also be provided on its Man of Men logo campaign.