London’s Football League clubs are marking World Mental Health Day by working with the EFL and its charity partner Mind to “do one thing” and reward fans this week.
World Mental Health Day is on Saturday and Mind research has revealed more than 60 per cent of adults feel their mental health deteriorated during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mind’s “do one thing” campaign aims to inspire people to make one change or take one action to look after their mental health. As part of the campaign, EFL clubs in the capital will play their part and “do one thing” to say thank you to someone in their local communities.
Millwall are organising a virtual coffee morning with a number of players, Millwall Community Trust staff and participants of the club’s mental health programme to discuss wellbeing and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Brentford legend and club ambassador Marcus Gayle will visit a fan who has supported the club for over 30 years. The supporter has Down's syndrome and in recent months has not been able to leave the house much because of coronavirus restrictions.
Charlton have arranged for a fan, who got involved with the club through her participation in one of their Community Trust's mental health projects, to receive a video call from one of the first-team players. The fan got involved in CACT’s project after becoming a carer for her mother throughout her battle with cancer.
QPR are also organising a call with a fan and a player and EFL chief executive David Baldwin said: “The various activity taking place this week is a small example of how our clubs are at the forefront of tackling some of society’s biggest issues.
“Looking after our mental health and that of others has always been vital but as we all feel the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, it has never been more important to continue to raise awareness and encourage conversations around the subject.
“I’d encourage everyone to get involved and ‘do one thing’ this week - one small action may have a much bigger impact on those around you and help someone in need.”
