Grassroots football clubs are being urged to raise awareness of, and break the stigma around, mental health by displaying a bespoke ‘Mental Health Awareness in Football’ Poster in their clubhouses and on their social media accounts.

The poster, which is available to download below, features contact details for many supportive organisations, including the Samaritans and Mind. The editable PDF file allows clubs to add their name to the poster 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

Cindi Chatha, Essex County FA Development Officer, explained: “We want to see the poster displayed inside every clubhouse in the county to raise awareness of the support available to anyone who might need it. Grassroots football has some very strong communities who can break a taboo and make it easier to talk to friends and team mates about mental wellbeing.”

Please download the ‘Mental Health Awareness in Football Poster’ below, add your club’s name, then place it up on notice boards, share it on Twitter (tagging @EssexCountyFA) and post it on other social media.

Clubs who have already shared the poster on Twitter include: Basildon Boys & Girls Club, Bowers & Pitsea, Broomfield, Chigwell, Colebrook Royals, Corinthians, Dunmow United, East Thurrock United, Hutton, JK Silvertown, Maldon & Tiptree, Thaxted Rangers, Trinity, Witham Town