York City Football Club Foundation are delighted to be working with York Mind again on a legacy project from the family of a local man who took his own life. Moneys raised from a coast-to-coast trail in May last year is being used by York Mind to develop early intervention and suicide related projects.
YCFC Foundation are one of several organisations working on the delivery of a programme of activity for young males aged 11-16 who may bestruggling with their mental health, from concerns around school or friendships, or simply feeling low. The football element of the project will run during June and July at the LNER Community Stadium.
York Mind will support the Kickabouts providing a time and space to talk and perhaps have difficult conversations around mental health concerns. The programme will culminate with a celebration event hosted by YCFC Foundation during July.
If you wish to refer yourself or someone you know, please contact us on inclusion@yorkcityfcfoundation.co.uk
Another aspect of the programme will be to tackle stigma through conversation, and the Foundation and Mind are proud to announce that they will be hosting an evening with Chris Kirkland and Andy Leaning on Friday 5th May here at the LNER Stadium in the LNER Lounge, from 7-10pm.
The event is entirely free and is aimed at adults. Everyone is invited to come along and listen to the stories from their careers, hear what life as a professional footballer is really like and how they may have managed the highs and lows of their respective careers. Don’t missthis opportunity to meet them and ask any questions you may have for some legends of the game.
To book the event us the QR code/link provided. Spaces are limited so book today. There will be a cash bar on the evening and nibbles provided oneach table thanks to funding from The National League Trust.
Paula Stainton, YCFC Foundation Manager, said “Whilst a difficult topic to approach, suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 45. There can be many reasons for this but the fact that many young men do not regularly engage in open conversation and express themselves often makes it difficult for them to seek the support they require. The power of football in encouraging conversation should not be underestimated, with an ideal opportunity to connect with our male audience.”
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