Following the death by suicide of a former Mousehole AFC player, and another member of the football community in West Cornwall, the club proposes to introduce the following first five steps towards building stronger mental health provision.
1. We will continue to foster and strengthen our commitment to:
– Communication. Talking about mental health issues is key to greater understanding of how we can help each other
– Awareness. All players and staff should know who they can talk to and where to find resources that can help.
– Access. We should ensure that anyone who needs help can get it when they need it.
2. Selected staff will be provided with the relevant training in mental health awareness, both through online resources and in person courses. In-person courses suggested are via Cornwall Council’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) or such organisations as Sea Sanctuary’s Talk. Listen. Live and cost about £30 per person. If possible, we will arrange for a mental health awareness session for the wider club community.
3. Players and staff will be encouraged to download the Stay Alive app. This is recommended by many mental health charities and backed by NHS Trusts. It’s an app that need only be used in times of distress but gives clear advice and regularly updated emergency and advice contacts. We will also highlight the Cornwall Suicide Liaison Service which provides support for those left behind.
4. Ben Gibson to be identified as the first point of contact for any players or staff who feel they need help with issues surrounding their mental health. Kevin Bishop will support Ben with resources or research where required.
5. Kevin Bishop and Jeff Richardson to develop physical and social media content to highlight best practice around mental health in the football and wider community. We will also explore pathways to share best practice and knowledge with other local clubs through our association with Western League.
With thanks for their advice:
Tony McGarr – Cornwall Mind and Band of Brothers
Leanne Packer – Cornwall Mind
Phil Collier – Sea Sanctuary
Ian Nockolds – Western League Premier
