Pocklington Town AFC in conjunction with The Football Mental Health Alliance (FMHA) has completed Mental Health First Aid Training.
Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFA) is a programme that helps to educate people on how to identify and assist someone who is suffering from a mental health or drug use condition.
The training is intended to assist people in recognising early warning signs of mental health conditions, providing initial assistance and support to someone in difficulty and helping to connect them to external professional support.
Representatives of the club said: “By having a mental health first aider at our club, all our members now know that there is at least one individual whom they can approach to discuss any aspect of mental health allowing more people to spot potential signs of mental health conditions.”
“Furthermore, mental health first aid training can help to promote the importance of mental health and reduce the stigma around seeking help for mental health conditions.”
“We hope that this encourages people to speak up and seek help if they or anyone they know, are experiencing mental health challenges. This can lead to better overall mental health and well-being within our club, helping to create a more supportive and inclusive culture.”
The skills acquired through MHFA training are valuable and transferable, promoting well-being and mental health support in various aspects of life.
Danny Matharu, Founder at The Football Mental Health Alliance said: “The importance of Mental Health First Aid training cannot be overstated. The benefits are numerous, from helping with early intervention, enhanced safety and welfare, reduction of stigma, enhanced player performance and improved communication.
“We are campaigning for all football clubs in England, both professional and grassroots to have at least one Mental Health First Aider and are proud to be working with Pocklington Town AFC to build mental health across the whole spectrum of the grassroots game.”
Elizabeth Harrison at Reward Finance Group, Corporate Partner of FMHA said: “This training includes a great Action Plan to equip individuals with the skills to identify signs of mental health or substance use issues and it highlights the importance of non-judgmental listening and creating a safe space for communication. Tailored to the football community this is valuable training for all those it is available to, whether they are managers, coaches, players or family and friends supporting from the side-lines”.
For more information on The Football Mental Health Alliance visit https://vault.thefmha.com/ where ‘grassrooters’ can sign up for free football themed mental health support tools.
The club would like to thank Carl Silburn and Alice Boyce from the male and female sections for giving up their time to complete this important course. We will also be establishing a bespoke mental wellness group attached to the Pocklington Town AFC Facebook group where you will be able to access resources and support. If anyone from the club would be interested in completing the course please contact Richard Bower or Rebecca Whiteley.
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