World Mental Health Day
On the 10th of October, we observe World Mental Health Day to raise awareness on this delicate subject.
As declared by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, the 10th of October is World Mental Health Day. This event wants to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world, but also to give credit to those that every work in this field, giving them a platform to talk about mental illnesses.
Researches conducted by the WHO show how one person in every four will be affected by a mental disorder at some stage of their lives. To make this already dire mental health landscape even worse, the current COVID-19 health crisis has had a dramatic impact on mental health worldwide. In fact, having to deal with anxiety, fear, isolation, social distancing and restrictions has brought emotional distress to the majority of people.
Football has to make a stand and raise awareness on these issues. You can join the #Morethanfootball Action Day in any way you want. We have gathered some ideas for activities on World Mental Health Day below. Use #Morethanfootball and campaign material whenever you communicate about this topic.
Ideas for #Morethanfootball activities
- highlight your mental health programmes
- encourage people to talk about mental health through video messages from coaches and (former) players
- raise money for mental health support
- inform about mental health support in your local community
- call your supporters to check-in on them and their mental health
- create a club specific playlist to lift the mood or your fans and beneficiaries
- share resources that could be useful to alleviate your supporters’ emotional distress