Monday 13th May – Sunday 19th May marks Mental Health Awareness Week, and York City Football Club would like to echo the following message about the importance of mental health, as well as highlight some sessions conducted by the fantastic York City FC Foundation.
With Mental Health Awareness Week having commenced, we want to encourage supporters to feel more comfortable and confident in speaking about their mental health, not just this week specifically, but anytime throughout the year.
The theme for 2024 is movement – regular physical activity is known to improve mental health.
Mental health awareness is important because it can make people experiencing mental illness feel less alone and can make finding therapy and healthy coping mechanisms simpler. Spreading mental health awareness allows people to openly discuss their symptoms and fully understand what they are feeling and why.
The York City FC Foundation run a number of sessions to help support people throughout the week – which may be a great way to take a step in improving your mental health.
York City FC Foundation Sessions
Boot The Blues
A weekly men’s recreational football session and peer support group.
Boot The Blues helps provide a safe space to play and share, improving well-being through the power of football.
Take time out your week to enjoy a game in a friendly, welcoming environment, whilst also connecting with like-minded men to talk and support each other.
WHEN: Every Tuesday evening, 6-7pm.
WHERE: LNER Community Stadium, 3G Pitches
WHO: Men aged 18+
#WalkWithYork
Join the York City FC Foundation team for a 30 minute walk every Thursday.
The benefits of walking include a healthy heart, burnt calories, reduced stress, boosted mood, better sleep & boosted joints.
WHEN: Every Thursday at 12.15pm
WHERE: LNER Community Stadium North Stand carpark entrance
WHO: All are welcome
Sporting Memories
A weekly group that meets to share sporting stories amongst one another, as well as more than sporting topics.
Join them for various games, activities and quizzes too.
It’s also a great chance to have a hot drink and a biscuit with an incredibly friendly bunch!
WHEN: Every Monday 1-2.30pm & every Friday 10.30am-12pm.
WHERE: Monday’s held at Wigginton Old School (YO32 2PU), Friday’s held at LNER Community Stadium (YO32 9AF)
WHO: All are welcome
Remember, it is ok to speak out and talk about your mental health, and we encourage this, as well as checking in on others who may be struggling.
Please find below a list of organisations that are here to help:
Mind
Phone: 0300 123 33393
Text: 86463
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans
Phone: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org
Calm
Phone: 0800 585 858
Website: www.calmzone.net
The Mix
Text: 85258 (THEMIX)
Website: https://www.themix.org.uk
Anxiety UK
Phone: 03444 775 774
Text: 07537 416905
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
NHS 111
Phone: 111
Website: www.111.NHS.UK
Andy’s Man Club York
Online group meets every Monday at 7pm
Website: www.andysmanclub.co.uk