Whitley Warriors “Face-Off to Stigma” around mental health with NHS charity
A North East NHS charity and popular ice hockey club have teamed up to encourage more men to open up about their mental health.
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Bright charity and Whitley Warriors have collaborated to launch a new campaign, Face-Off to Stigma, with the aim of reducing mental health stigma.
It’s widely recognised that men are less likely to seek help regarding mental health. This trailblazing partnership helps important messages reach an audience that may not traditionally access NHS services, through their love of sport.
To launch the campaign, Bright has created a three-episode podcast series with the Warriors, which covers topics surrounding men’s mental health and the importance of accessing support.
The series takes a deep dive into the daily struggles faced by professional athletes, on and off the ice, and features honest conversations with general manager Willie Dunn, Canadian player Kyle Pow and head coach Tony Hand MBE.
Willie Dunn said: “Mental health is something we care passionately about.
“We believe that sport can be a vehicle to make real change in people’s lives and their health, both physical and mental.
“We will create a programme of education for our players and coaches, as well as facilitate meetings with local people and provide a safe space to discuss issues that affect their lives.
“Working with hundreds of kids from as young as eight through our junior programme, Face-Off to Stigma will also help us to de-stigmatise talking about mental health from an early age and provide support for their families too.”
The Face-Off to Stigma campaign can now also be seen on players’ helmets and around the perimeter of Whitley Bay Ice Rink, home to Whitley Warriors, which brings in 5,000 fans, players and skaters each week.
Brenda Longstaff, head of Bright charity, hopes that the campaign will help people feel more comfortable in being open about their mental health and seeking help.
She said: “During the pandemic and the social isolation that created, we have become more aware of the need to care for our mental health and reach out to our family, friends and colleagues to provide support when things get tough.
“There is no stigma in that. It is being aware of how we feel and what we need to do to care for ourselves.
“This programme is so important as it can support people from a very young age and encourage mental and emotional resilience to cope with life’s challenges.”
The partnership will also facilitate Making Every Contact Count (MECC) training for Whitley Warriors’ coaches. A key focus of MECC is the prevention of ill health and the changes that we can all make to maintain health and wellbeing, and ensure longer, healthier, and happier lives.
Craig Robson, regional MECC lead said: “We’re delighted that Whitley Warriors’ coaches will be trained in MECC.
“While MECC covers topics that we all know affect health such as stopping smoking, diet, and physical activity, it will also help coaches to consider social factors such as social isolation, finances, affordable warmth and housing which can have an impact on mental wellbeing.
“It will help them have better conversations about the issues that can affect the local community and signpost people to the local support available.”
You can check out the podcast on:
If you are struggling with your mental health, please speak to your GP or visit nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services for more information on support available.
Bright’s partnership with Whitley Warriors will continue to expand in the new year, focussed on supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing.
Keep up with Bright and Whitley Warriors to learn more.