Grassroots football teams, leagues and organisations in Essex are customising a ‘Mental Health Awareness in Football’ graphic and sharing it on social media, featuring contact details for organisations providing crucial support, such as the Samaritans and Mind.

The special, personalised infographic is available to download from our website below, and is aiming to raise awareness throughout local football of the mental health and wellbeing services available, both online and offline.

Our PDF allows clubs to add their name and pledge to join us in highlighting that sport can play a huge role in tackling stigma and its effects by:

* breaking down boundaries between people with and without mental health problems
* creating social integrations and boosting self-confidence
* tackling physical health inequalities

An existing FA guide has also been produced in partnership with Mind and a mental health advisory group. The 36-page publication forms an important part of The FA and Heads Together’s ‘Heads Up’ campaign, which seeks to harness the influence and popularity of football to drive the biggest ever conversation on mental health.

In addition to information and advice on mental health and wellbeing, the guidance notes have been created to help coaches and managers spot the signs of problems, predominantly amongst male players. It gives them the confidence to support, as well as signposts to specialist help where necessary, including Heads Up’s charity partners and a 24/7 text support service.

Please download the ‘Mental Health Infographic 2022’ below, and add your club’s name. Then post it on Twitter (tagging @EssexCountyFA) and on other social media. For more details on Heads Up, and to download the new FA guide, visit The FA's website and the Heads Together website.