York City Football Club Foundation are delighted to be working with York Mind again on a legacy project from the family of a local man who took
his own life. Monies raised from a coast-to-coast trail in May last year
are being used by York Mind to develop early intervention and suicide
related projects.
YCFC Foundation are one of several organisations working on the delivery
of a programme of activity for young males aged 11-16 who may be
struggling with their mental health, from concerns around school or
friendships, or simply feeling low. The football element of the project
will run during June and July at the LNER Community Stadium.
York Mind will support the Kickabouts providing a time and space to
talk and perhaps have difficult conversations around mental health
concerns. The programme will culminate with a celebration event hosted
by YCFC Foundation during July.
If you wish to refer yourself or someone you know, please contact us on
[email protected]
Another aspect of the programme will be to tackle stigma through
conversation, and the Foundation and Mind are proud to announce that
they will be hosting an evening with Chris Kirkland and Andy Leaning on
Friday 5th May here at the LNER Community Stadium in the LNER Lounge, from 7-10pm.
The event is entirely free and is aimed at adults. Everyone is invited
to come along and listen to the stories from their careers, hear what
life as a professional footballer is really like, and how they may have
managed the highs and lows of their respective careers. Don’t miss
this opportunity to meet them and ask any questions you may have for
some legends of the game.
To book the event click the link at the bottom of the article. Spaces are limited so book
today. There will be a cash bar on the evening and nibbles provided on
each table thanks to funding from The National League Trust.
Paula Stainton, YCFC Foundation Manager, said “Whilst a difficult
topic to approach, suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 45.
There can be many reasons for this but the fact that many young men do
not regularly engage in open conversation and express themselves often
makes it difficult for them to seek the support they require. The power
of football in encouraging conversation should not be underestimated,
with an ideal opportunity to connect with our male audience.”