Today marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week for 2024, and at Stockport County we are proud to be backing the campaign by offering support to staff and supporters alike.
Every May the whole of the UK is encouraged to come together to highlight the importance of supporting mental health and wellbeing for all. Each year there is a key theme to drive focus on a particular mental health topic, with this year’s theme being movement.
One of the most important things you can do to help protect your mental health is regular movement. Moving more can increase your energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your self-esteem.
Our support for mental health forms an important part of the club’s County Collective initiative, where we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and embraced. As part of this, we will be providing the following support this week:
Friendly Bench Support:
It is, of course, important to look after your mental health all year round, and at Stockport County we have ten fully trained mental health first aiders, whose role is to support the club, its supporters, and the local community when it comes to mental health and wellbeing.
This week, our mental health first aid team will be available at the Club’s friendly benches (which are located at the entrance to the Cheadle End car park) for an hour each day, to provide you with someone to talk to. Staff, supporters, and members of the local community are encouraged to visit the friendly benches, if they would like to chat or receive support from us.
Our team will be available at the following times:
Monday: 3pm-4pm
Tuesday: 10am – 11am
Wednesday: 2pm-3pm
Thursday: 11am – 12pm
Friday: 10am-11am
Tech-break Tuesday for staff:
To help support our hard-working staff this week, we will be operating an hour-long tech break this Tuesday, encouraging them to take a break from their work tech for an hour and enjoy a number of activities that encourage movement, fun and positive wellbeing.
Please note that as a result of the tech break, our club staff will not be available to contact for this hour as they enjoy their break. We thank you for your understanding during that time, as we look after, and encourage positive mental health and wellbeing of our staff.
Support is out there:
On average, one in five of us experience suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives, yet there remains a stigma about opening up about it.
Remember, you are not alone. If you’re struggling, then having someone there to listen can make all the difference.
Our mental health first aiders are here to help, not just this week, but every week. No matter what you’re going through, we’re here for you. The following local services are also available and there to provide support:
