Adam Forshaw helps support World Mental Health Day
Midfielder joins Foundation participants to discuss mental well-being.
Today marks World Mental Health Day, a day to educate and raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to assemble efforts in support of mental health.
World Mental Health Day takes place every year on the 10th October and provides an opportunity for organisations, charities and individuals working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and discuss what more needs to be done to make mental health care a priority.
The Leeds United Foundation wanted to play their part in recognising the annual event through promotion during their mental health and wellbeing initiatives. They currently deliver weekly sessions as part of their Fit Fans programme that supports people in the local community that need help making small lifestyle changes to ensure they are able to improve their mental wellbeing, and they are also launching new sessions as part of their Fit Minds programme that works entirely on supporting those struggling with their mental health.
Participants on the Fit Fans initiative took part in their weekly session at Elland Road earlier this week and were joined by Leeds United star Adam Forshaw and LUTV. They were all given the chance to discuss how the programme is supporting their mental health, whilst also asking the 30-year-old midfielder for advice on how he stays fit and healthy, especially during long periods of time when he has suffered with injuries recently, and how by doing that it gives him a better chance of staying mentally strong.
Following the online session with coaches from the club’s official charity and male and female participants from the programme, Adam Forshaw said: “It’s so important to recognise World Mental Health Day and what it stands for, looking after our mental heath is the key to surviving and so education and awareness around the topic is crucial.
“I really enjoyed meeting everyone on the call and answering their questions, I know the Foundation work hard to support so many different people in the local community and this is just one of the programmes they are delivering. It was really clear that the people I spoke with are really putting in the effort to improve their health and fitness, that will hopefully in turn help their mental wellbeing – and I really hope that I was able to help and support them along that journey.”
World Mental Health Day gives us all the chance to talk about mental health and how we need to look after it. It is so important to check in on those around you and if you’re the one struggling it is crucial that you reach out for help.
If you would like more information or to join one of the mental health and wellbeing programmes within the Leeds United Foundation, please contact Rachel.Newman@leedsunited.com.
Please see below contact information for various charities there to support those struggling with their mental health, the most important thing to remember is to speak to someone.
Samaritans
When life is tough, Samaritans are here to listen at any time of the day or night. You can talk to them about anything that's troubling you, no matter how difficult:
Shout 85258
Shout 85258 offers confidential 24/7 crisis text support for times when you need immediate assistance:
- text "SHOUT" to 85258
- visit Shout Crisis Text Line
CALM
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason:
- call 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
- free, anonymous webchat with trained CALM staff
- visit the CALM website
Crisis support or young people:
Papyrus
If you're under 35 and feel that life is not worth living any more, call Papyrus's HopelineUK from 9am to 10pm weekdays and 2pm to 10pm on weekends:
- call HopelineUK on 0800 068 41 41
- text 07786 209697
- visit the Papyrus website
Childline
If you're under 19, you can also speak to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill:
Urgent mental health support:
If you have urgent mental health needs, find your local 24/7 mental health crisis line.
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
People with hearing problems can use the NHS 111 British Sign Language (BSL) service.
In a life-threatening emergency, phone the emergency services and ask for an ambulance.
Hub of Hope
No matter what you're going through, you should not have to do it alone. The Hub of Hope is a national database that brings together local mental health services.
