A special ‘Mental Health for Under 18s’ Workshop, designed for all Welfare Officers in grassroots football, is taking place online on Wednesday 23rd February from 6:00pm.

Delivered by Young Minds, a mental health charity for children, young people and their parents, the workshop will help attendees to develop a shared understanding of mental health and the risks and protective factors which impact upon young people. The session, which costs just £20, will also consider how trusted adults can promote young people’s mental health.

Another objective of the workshop is to explore ways to promote positive mental health and resilience within grassroots football settings and recognise the importance of looking after your own wellbeing. It forms part of a range of online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) workshops organised by the Essex County FA.

Designed for new officers, or as a refresher for existing ones, the workshops are being well-received, including useful information on subjects including policies and processes and engaging with a club’s membership. Attendees can benefit from a range of educational sessions between now and April, including brand new, locally-tailored Welfare Officer Workshops. The training range includes:

* Essex County FA Welfare Officer Workshop
* Mental Health (Under 18s Workshop Delivered by Young Minds)
* Risks of Social Media (Includes Good Practice Guidance)

The vast majority of the sessions are free of charge, and places can now be reserved via the booking links below. You can also find out more about safeguarding grassroots football by following @EssexCountyFA on Twitter and by searching for ‘EssexFootball’ on Facebook.

Essex County FA Welfare Officer Workshop

Objectives: To share local and specific welfare/safeguarding details for new Welfare Officers in Essex. Amongst other areas, you will gain:

* insight into safeguarding infrastructure in the Essex County FA and other safeguarding agencies
* helpful hints for how to implement and share your role within the club
* policies and processes within the club
* insight on how to handle complaints
* engaging with your club’s membership

Designed For: New Club Welfare Officers (or as a refresher)
Date: Thursday 20th January, 6:30pm
Cost: Free (Book Online)

Designed For: New Club Welfare Officers (or as a refresher)
Date: Wednesday 16th March, 6:30pm
Cost: Free (Book Online)

Mental Health (Under 18s Workshop Delivered by Young Minds)

Objectives:

* develop a shared understanding of mental health and the risks and protective factors which impact upon young people
* consider how trusted adults can promote young people’s mental health
* explore ways to promote positive mental health and resilience within our settings
* recognise the importance of looking after our own wellbeing

Designed For: All Welfare Officers
Date: Wednesday 23rd February, 6:00pm
Cost: £20 (Book Online)

Risks of Social Media (Includes Good Practice Guidance)

Objectives: To update on the latest messages within the online and offline world, including:

* dangers and pitfalls under 18s should be aware of
* latest updates in this area
* tools available to the club in handling social media

Designed For: All Welfare Officers
Date: Wednesday 27th April, 6:30pm
Cost: Free (Book Online)