This week has marked Mental Health Awareness Week as we focus on bringing people together to discuss a topic that becomes more and more important in society.

The theme of the annual campaign for 2024 has centred around movement and how moving more can have a positive impact on our mental health.

The Leeds United Foundation deliver a number of programmes as part of the Health and Wellbeing pillar that supports mental health but also has an element of physical activity, as we continue to recognise that the two can go side by side.

Some of the initiatives currently being delivered at Elland Road and further afield are listed below, and if you are interested in learning more or getting involved, please get in touch via email at [email protected].

Working Out Together:

The Working Out Together programme acts as a great source of social support with physical activity able to be used as a distraction from your negative thoughts and emotions. It has been recognised that exercise decreases your stress levels, whilst also helping to promote confidence.

The walking football sessions take place every Monday from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at Leeds Grammar School, whilst a number of circuit sessions are also held every week at Elland Road – Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Combat Café:

This is our safe space for veterans and their families, with weekly sessions held to support like-minded people where they can have conversations with confidence knowing there is understanding amongst their peers. The Combat Café has gone from strength to strength in allowing more and more veterans to come along and feel heard and supported.

These sessions take place every Wednesday at Elland Road from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Corner Flag Café:

Delivered for people experiencing dementia, giving them the chance to discuss past memories associated with Leeds United in an environment that encourages laughter and happiness. Family and friends are also invited to join, giving them some respite from constant care along with any extra support they may need.

These sessions take place at Elland Road on evert first Thursday of the month, and every fourth Thursday of the month, from 1.30pm to 3pm.

Social Goals (Over 50s):

This is a weekly session hosted for people over the age of 50 and helps to tackle social isolation and loneliness. The aim is to bring supporters together once a week to discuss anything to do with Leeds United, including our long history and exciting current team. The group spend time sharing memories and enjoy having a regular session where they have been able to make friends.

The session takes place every Wednesday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at Elland Road.

Healthy Families:

Our Healthy Families Programme works in targeted areas across Leeds with the club’s official charity offering support to young people and young families. This initiative also offers free provision during the school holidays for sessions with children involving fun games and activities, important and educational workshops around having a positive mindset, making good decisions, healthy eating and exercise.

All of the above programmes support with mental health and act as a safe place for people to discuss their mental health, talk about coping mechanisms, and simply act as a place where you can speak to someone. If you ever feel like you need someone to speak with, but don’t know if you fit into any of the above programmes please still get in touch with our Health and Wellbeing team for support, there is always someone willing to help and listen. The best contact for information or support is [email protected].