Cumberland FA has announced a new partnership with The Football Mental Health Alliance.
It is a link up to further the mission of embedding mental health support into the grassroots football family.
At the heart of this collaboration is the Vault, the alliance’s free, pioneering mental health platform designed with comprehensive resources for grassroots football.
This unique platform is the result of collaboration with specialist psychologists, coaches, parents, carers, licenced FIFA Agents, and ex-professional footballers to understand key mental health challenges and craft innovative solutions.
The Vault contains expert-led, football themed content in the form of interactive webinars, access to personal stories from current and ex-professional footballers, articles and infographics, a podcast, journals, mental health plans for Clubs to utilise, mental health first aid training and an upcoming conference, all designed to support mental well-being within the grassroots football community.
The Vault is for anyone involved in grassroots football at any level – players, coaches, parents/carers, spectators, volunteers and match officials.
Statistics show that one in four people experience mental health difficulties each year and at any given time, one in six working-age adults have symptoms associated with mental ill-health.
Mental health conditions often develop early, with 75 per cent of cases starting by age 18. Alarmingly, men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.
The Vault was conceived in response to these pressing statistics and the increased demand for digital mental health solutions across the grassroots football spectrum.
This always accessible, ever-evolving platform provides support anytime for all age ranges. It allows for anonymous sign-up, ensuring confidentiality and comfort to those seeking information or assistance with their own or someone else’s mental health.
Danny Matharu, founder of The Football Mental Health Alliance, said: “We are elated to welcome Cumberland FA. Our partnership is an acknowledgement of football’s unique position to enhance mental health in our game and communities.”
“The Vault will serve as a free, always accessible, continually growing resource, ensuring a wide-reaching, tangible impact on mental health within grassroots football across England.
“There is a clear and urgent need for a comprehensive, digital mental health support system that provides resources, education and guidance, especially within the grassroots community, a space which has long faced a dearth of such solutions.”
Ben Snowdon, chief executive and mental health first aider, at Cumberland FA said: “We are thrilled to join forces with FMHA. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to the well-being of our football community.
“Together, we aim to significantly impact the mental health landscape in grassroots football. We look forward to the positive change we can instigate through our collective efforts.
“The Vault presents an innovative solution to the grassroots football community, solidifying our ongoing commitment to the holistic well-being of every individual involved in the sport.”
The Vault is ready for pre-launch registration. Details can be found at www.vault.thefmha.com where anyone involved in grassroots football at any level can sign up for free and be alerted when the Vault opens.
