Brentford FC Community Sports Trust establish an online men’s mental health support network during Coronavirus crisis
With the government restricting all but essential movement across the UK, Brentford FC and its Community Sports Trust have created an online mental health network for Brentford fans and local male residents. Inspired by the established “Talking Clubs,” the group, available on the Facebook platform, will provide an opportunity for men to support each other during this unprecedented period.
The group follows on from the successful screening of the documentary “Steve” at Griffin Park in February, which documents how one man lost his friend Steve to suicide and highlights the difficulties many men face in discussing their mental “fitness”.
Primarily, the “Brentford Talking Club” will provide a safe hub for men to talk and support each other – particularly during the current restriction on movement.
Brentford fan Steven Green, said:
“Joining a group like this will be so beneficial to so many people as it gives you a chance to discuss things with other people who maybe going through difficult times as well. You may find it hard to open up to others, but if there is something we all share in common it eases the uncertainty.”
With 76 per cent of suicides being male, and with one in four experiencing mental health conditions at some point in their life, the online network will aim to tackle the existing stigma surrounding mental health.
Graham Goodden, Communities Engagement Manager at Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, said:
“The Brentford Talking Club will be there for anyone who wants to have a non-biased open conversation about pretty much anything.
“Now, more than ever, we need to support each other and have some sort of social interaction – even if it is online.”
Along with the “Talking Club”, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust aims to provide online mental health support to local residents (male and female) and vulnerable young people it is already working with.
Brentford fans and local residents can join the group here.
For more information, please visit us at enquiries@brentfordfccst.com
