Football fans encouraged to get talking by mental health charity Response

Football fans were encouraged to get talking to one another at Oxford City FC as part of the National League North side’s Game For Good initiative in partnership with Response.

The Marsh Lane club teamed up with Oxfordshire’s largest independent mental health charity so fans could learn more about its work to transform lives through tailored services and supported accommodation.

Discounted tickets were made available to Hoops supporters online, with 50 per cent of each ticket purchased using a unique code pledged to Response.

Representatives from the charity handed out leaflets and flyers to supporters as they passed through the turnstiles, and met with players from the club’s men’s and women’s teams ahead of kick-off.

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Conversations

It follows new research published by Samaritans which found two-thirds (64 per cent) of football fans struggle with their mental health.

In addition, more than half (54 per cent) said they would never broach the subject of mental health within their football friend groups, and 61 per cent said they have avoided talking about how they feel through fear of being perceived negatively within football culture.

Jess Kerridge represented Response on the day. She said unlocking positive conversations with football fans is the first step towards helping people achieve better mental health.

“Our perception of mental health and how we speak to others on the topic has shifted dramatically in the last decade for all the right reasons,” said Jess.

“However, in places there remains a stigma attached to having feelings of ill mental health – and football is one of those areas as Samaritans’ survey of 2,000 fans found.

“We offer a combination of accommodation and person-centred support to help people with their recovery, with the ultimate aim of helping people back into independent living and contributing positively to their communities.

“To discuss this and allow fans the opportunity to proactively learn more about how we work with those who require our help was a great opportunity, and we thank Oxford City FC for allowing us to be part of its Game For Good.”

Response at Oxford City

Awareness

Following the full-time whistle, Hoops player Charlie Wiggett was presented with the Player of the Match award by Response.

The centre-half was backed by quality management specialists TotalQ at the start of the season, who donated the benefits attached to the club’s player sponsorship package to Response.

Both the club and charity will team up again in April when a selection of people supported by Response enjoy the VIP experience for Chester’s National League North visit to The MGroup Stadium.

Andrew Gate, Head of Media at Oxford City FC, added: “Despite increased awareness, many people do still – sadly – find it difficult to open up about their mental health challenges.

“Any opportunity to encourage people to get talking is worth exploring, which is why it was our pleased to host Response pitch side, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration as the season progresses.”

Further information about Response is available online via www.response.org.uk

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