The Football Supporters Association has launched #TerraceTalk – a supporter-led mental health initiative.
Supported by the EFL and Mind’s ‘On Your Side’ partnership, #TerraceTalk aims to complement existing initiatives in football and will be running a series of events to help fans support each other.
The aim of the campaign is to encourage open and honest conversations about mental health and encourage supporters who need them to seek out mental health support services. A central theme of #TerraceTalk is recognition of the value that social aspects of the matchday routine provide to fans up and down the country.
Jane Lonsdale, co-chair of the Dons Trust Board and chair of the Diversity & Inclusion working group says:
“Fans’ and members’ mental health is vitally important, and the Dons Trust fully supports the Football Supporter’s Association #TerraceTalk campaign. We encourage all our members and AFC Wimbledon fans to engage with the events that the FSA are running to help supporters to support each other.
“On a personal level, football and going to matches along with seeing everyone and all the emotions that go with the game are so important to me. I really miss seeing friends and family at games and that social environment.
“The various lockdowns – which have meant we haven’t been able to go to games or cheer the team on in our new stadium – will undoubtedly have taken a toll on fans’ and members’ mental health and we hope this initiative can help in some way.”
The FSA will be running a series of Terrace Talk events across 2021. You can find more by visiting the FSA website.
Useful links:
Contact Mind for dealing with mental health matters during lockdown. Mind also has a partnership with the EFL and run a joint Have Your Mate’s Back campaign. Other useful resources:
Age UK – call 0800 678 1602 8am-7pm
Alcoholics Anonymous or call 0800 9177 650
CALMzone – call 0800 585858
Childline or call 0800 1111
Mental Health First Aid (England)
Mental Health First Aid (Wales)
Mental Health Matters
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – call 0808 2000 247
National Gambling Helpline or call 0808 8020 133
Samaritans – 116 123 call any time for free
For medical advice call the NHS on 111.