Both Lord Triesman and Government Health Minister, Ivan Lewis MP, are supporting TheFA.com’s brand new mental health initiative.
The new online section demonstrates The FA’s ongoing commitment to using football to break down barriers and increase the opportunities to play football for those with mental health issues.
FA Chairman, Lord Triesman, commented: “The impact of football on health and well-being is well recognised.
“The FA is committed to working with the Department of Health and other partners to help tackle the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health, as well as encouraging active participation in the game by those affected by mental health issues.”
The facility will provide networking opportunities for people interested in finding out more about football and mental health and is intended to generate interest, ideas and commitment from local communities to engage with football in a variety of ways to improve mental health.
It will also enable the sharing of good practice between those already involved with football and mental health, as well as advice on how to get involved with, or set up a team plus tournaments for people who suffer form mental health issues.
The new initiative is in partnership with Shift who tackle discrimination and stigma around mental health issues.
Health Minister, Ivan Lewis MP, said: “Football has the capacity to influence millions of people in our country.
"Many people experience a mental health problem at some stage in their life and it is vital that we get rid of the stigma associated with mental health. This is why I welcome this exciting new initiative from the FA.”
Click on the link below to visit the mental health initiative on TheFA.com.
Mental Health on TheFA.com
The new initiative also brings together the Professional Footballers’ Association, the Football Foundation, the Premier League, the Football League Trust, Sporting Chance and the University of Derby who are working together to support and develop projects that build on the evidence that football really works in improving mental health.