Foundation is laid in mental health battle
MEN URGED TO ATTEND ST JAMES’ EVENT
NEWCASTLE United Foundation estimates almost 13,000 fans at every Newcastle United game will experience a mental health problem each year.
Now, it has joined forces with personal development organisation Huddle Culture to host an event designed to tackle men’s mental health.
The event is aimed at helping men understand their thoughts and feelings and encouraging them to talk.
Event organiser Ashley Lowe said: “We know a large proportion of our fan base are men so we wanted to use the power of the badge to reach these men who might not engage with traditional health and wellbeing messages.
“The feedback we have had so far shows this is working and the fans are really engaging with the campaign.”
The event will take place in the St James’ Moncur Suite between 6.00 and 7.30 on November 19, where guest speakers will deliver inspirational and informative talks.
The Foundation will discuss their ‘Be a Game Changer’ campaign and how it is changing the culture of men’s mental health in the region.
‘Be a Game Changer’ launched in February to encourage men to open up and provide tips on how to improve physical and mental wellbeing. Their talk will highlight free accessible opportunities in the local area, including football sessions and mental health workshops.
There will also be an appearance from coach Les Peacock, who credits the campaign for saving his life.
He said: “This campaign came at a point where I felt like I was the only one who had ever wanted to not be here anymore.
“It gave me the space to talk and ask questions to someone who has been where I am. The campaign also gave me a purpose - a reason to get through it, to show other people who were struggling that it can be done because I’d never want anyone to be in that dark place I was.”
Huddle Culture’s Bruce Durham will then speak about how men can take control of how they think.
The session will assess why people think the why they do and how they can become more aware of the stories in their minds.
Bruce, who also delivers inspirational sessions on his YouTube channel, Believing Bruce, said: “I want people to understand it is normal to feel the way we do.
“We need to keep having conversations with each other and become better connected with society. Through more events like this, I believe we will.”
The event will include refreshments and entry into a prize draw for signed United merchandise.