Cumberland FA have been working with the Terry Newton Grassroots Programme team to roll out their extremely successful programme that was delivered across local Rugby League Clubs in 2022.

Danny Sculthorpe and Phil Veivers are once again in Cumberland this month to share their personal stories and deliver a mental health awareness session (including the benefits of a focus on mental health and wellbeing) to football clubs across Cumbria.

Thanks to funding from the DDP (Decommissioning Delivery Partnership), the confirmed sessions in West Cumbria are FREE of charge.

Ray Sempill, Football Development Officer for Cumberland FA, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Danny and Phil back to the county to share their experiences and support local football clubs to talk about mental health. A number of local clubs are hosting the sessions which are open to players, volunteers or match officials from the area.”

Sessions Details 

Wednesday 18 January, 7pm Kick Off – Whitehaven Miners AFC, Coach Road, Whitehaven, CA28 9DD

The session is open to all – no registration required, simply turn up.

Friday 20 January, 7pm Kick off – Workington AFC, Borough Park, Workington, CA14 2DT

The session is open to all (local Grassroots clubs from Allerdale have also been invited to attend)

Turn up on the evening, or text Richard on 07889 141177 prior to attending.

Thursday 26 January, 7pm Kick off – Windscale AFC, Falcon Club, Croadella Avenue, Egremont, CA22 2QN

“The session is open to all over 16s involved in the Club, whether players, coaches, parents and family. The more people this message reaches the better.” (Simon Young, Windscale AFC organiser)

Friday 27 January, 7pm Kick off – Whitehaven AFC, Coach Road, Whitehaven, CA28 9DB

The session is open for anyone who wants to come. Please confirm attendance with Luke on 07927983664 or Luke.Johnston@whitehavenafc.com

Luke Johnston, Whitehaven AFC Club Chairman, said “As a community football club we recognise that everyone has mental health issues from time to time. It is normal and there is so much support available. I am a huge believer that exercise promotes a positive mental health.” 

There are still a number of dates available for any clubs wishing to host across Cumberland.

If your Cumberland Club would be interested in hosting a session, or have any questions, then please contact Alison Young directly at Alison.Young@atkinsglobal.com

Simon Young, Windscale AFC organiser of the event: “I am passionate about this subject having worked in the NHS for 23 years and seen what devastating effect serious mental health issues have if they get left and people don't open up and talk and take that first step.  These sessions are brilliant to highlight this problem especially among young men. These 2 guys are leading the fight to get people to talk and try and prevent as many suicides as they can.” 

More information on the Grassroots Club Initiative

State of Mind Sport is a charity that harnesses the power of sport to promote positive mental health among our sportsmen and women, fans and wider communities, and ultimately to prevent suicide.

The charity was established in 2011 following the tragic death of Terry Newton, former Wigan Warriors and Great Britain international rugby league player who took his own life in September 2010. State of Mind Sport’s founders were determined to prevent similar tragedies in other communities, by raising awareness of mental health concerns, tackling stigma, providing mental fitness education and resilience, and by signposting individuals and families to timely support during tough times.

Read more here

Suicide Safer Communities

Cumberland FA have worked in partnership with Every Life Matters, Cumbria for a number of seasons to raise the awareness. The local charity promotes Suicide Safer Communities and provides Suicide Bereavement Support across Cumbria. www.every-life-matters.org.uk

Ian Alcock from ELM commented on the upcoming sessions: “We at Every Life Matters are really thrilled to see more of the Terry Newton Grassroots Sessions being delivered across the area, and specifically targeted at the football community. 

"Sessions such as these can give people to confidence to speak out about their own worries and concerns and it’s imperative that we encourage as many open honest conversations about mental health and suicide as possible, because only by starting these conversations can we get people the help they need.”

As well as training, Every Life Matters provides ‘Self-harm Safe Kits’ and resource tins because access to the right information, at the right time, can make all the difference in getting individuals the help and support they need.

Visit their website for more details