Today marks World Mental Health Day which is an annual campaign that focuses on raising awareness around mental health issues, global mental health education and advocacy against social stigmas.
To help support the occasion, first-team player Jack Harrison paid a visit to the Leeds United Foundation Corner Cafe, an event that is held once a month at Elland Road for people in the local community that suffer from early onset dementia along with their loved ones and carers.
The visit was a chance for the Leeds United winger to learn more about what those suffering with dementia are going through on a daily basis as well as the effects that can then have on the mental health of those caring for them every day. As part of the afternoon session, they also had a discussion around World Mental Health Day and spoke about the importance of talking to others, sharing feelings and seeking help and support when needed.
During the trip the 22-year-old also spent time simply chatting with the participants, listening to their stories about when they used to watch Leeds United and going through old memorabilia with them.
Harrison spoke to LUTV during the visit and said: “I think helping to raise awareness around World Mental Health Day is key for the club, so many people today are suffering with or have suffered from some form of mental health issue, so it's important we all learn about how we can support others.
“Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time and it felt really important to come here today and not just learn about the programme for those sadly suffering with dementia, but also about the effects it can have on their carers and making sure they’re receiving the support they need.
“I really enjoyed meeting everyone during the session, listening to their stories was so interesting and it was inspiring to see how positive everyone was given everything they are all going through.”
The Corner Cafe programme allows the club's official charity to engage with those living with dementia and help support their carers and closest family members. The monthly session gives those in attendance the opportunity to spend time with like-minded peers, the chance to meet new people, stay social and active and reflect and reminisce about a familiar subject, the club they all love to support.
For more information on the Corner Flag Cafe or any of the disability programmes delivered by the Leeds United Foundation, please contact [email protected].
If you are struggling with a mental health problem, please get the support you need and speak to someone. For more information on mental health issues, please click here and see how the mental health charity Mind may be able to help.
