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Simon York is a dedicated father of four neurodivergent children and a committed carer to his wife, who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Despite his own challenges, including being disabled with prolapsed discs and a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) following a neurological stroke in June 2023, Simon remains deeply passionate about disability football.
His journey in disability football began over 15 years ago when he started taking his children to sessions. Recognising the profound impact that accessible sports can have, Simon quickly got involved as a coach and has since made it his mission to raise awareness, improve access and create opportunities for anyone who wants to play football. He takes great pride in witnessing how the confidence and skills developed on the pitch contribute to personal growth in players' everyday lives - enhancing their mental and physical health, building relationships and opening up employment opportunities.
In this episode, we dive deep into the mental health challenges that footballers and referees especially face, especially during transitional stages in their journeys. Simon and Danny explore the significant difficulties players experience when moving from youth to adult football, emphasising the lack of a proper transition period, which often results in young players dropping out of the sport. They discuss the physical and mental differences between youth and adult football, noting that the abrupt shift can be overwhelming for many players.
The conversation also covers the many mental health impacts of negative experiences on the pitch, particularly for referees. Simon shares a personal story about the verbal abuse he endured while officiating, which left lasting mental scars. This abuse, often overlooked, is highlighted as a serious issue that needs more attention from football authorities.
The hosts propose several solutions, including the introduction of transitional age groups (e.g., under-19s, under-23s) to better prepare young players for adult football. They also advocate for improved mental health support systems for referees, suggesting that after-match check-ins or mentoring programs could help retain referees and protect their well-being.
The episode emphasises the need for more education and awareness around mental health in football, both for players and officials. The discussion is a call to action for football organisations to take the mental health of everyone involved in the game more seriously.
Key Topics Discussed:
The gap between youth and adult football and its impact on player retention.The mental and physical challenges young players face when transitioning to adult football.Personal experiences of mental health struggles as a referee, including dealing with abuse.The need for structured support and mentorship for referees.Proposals for transitional age groups and better mental health frameworks in football.Simon's Experience:
Currently:
⚽️ No-Limits Director of Inclusive Football at CONIFA
⚽️ Director and Chairman of Southwest Inclusive CIC
⚽️ Assistant Manager of Saltash United Women's Team
⚽️ Referee
⚽️ Disability Officer at Saltash United
Previous Experience:
Director of Inclusive Football at Kernow FADisability Lead at Plymouth ArgyleDisability Ambassador for Devon FAIn recent years, Simon has expanded his knowledge of disability football both within the UK and across Europe. His travels to watch La Liga Genuine matches inspired him to bring teams to compete against clubs like Rayo Vallecano, Getafe and Tenerife. These experiences have not only forged lasting friendships but have also provided invaluable insights into different cultures and perspectives on disability and disabled...
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The NHS in England has expanded its 111 service to include dedicated mental health support, providing a crucial lifeline for those in crisis. This service connects callers to local mental health professionals, available 24/7, who can offer immediate assessments, deploy crisis teams and guide individuals to appropriate local resources.
This move places the UK ahead of many international health systems in integrating mental health care with general health services. The initiative aims to address the rising demand for mental health support, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a simple process - calling 111 and pressing 2 - people of all ages can access trained mental health staff, including specialists for children and adolescents around the clock. The service is already handling hundreds of calls daily, with a significant portion involving severe distress, including suicidal thoughts.
Latest NHS figures show mental health services have treated an extra one million people a year compared with six years ago. The integration of mental health support into the 111 system is seen as a vital step in making help more accessible, particularly for those who may struggle to navigate traditional pathways to care.
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Vault Ambassador Steven Caulker outlines how untreated depression affected his performance.
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In today’s fast-paced world, young men face unique pressures that can negatively impact their mental health. So, with the new football season upon us, it is the perfect moment to explore how the beautiful game can boost not only young men’s physical fitness, but also their mental health and well-being.
Having spent many a Saturday night in the pub with housemates who were avid football fans, I have been subject to numerous vivid recounts of the day’s football games. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and although I am a female with no previous interest in football, I became intrigued by the intangible effect that the game has on its fans. As my friends and I approached the end of our time at the University of Leeds, we were increasingly anxious about the start of adult life. This period between 18 and 25 years old is often a daunting and unstable time for many. Studying psychology and my final assignment looming, I decided to investigate whether the love of the beautiful game could positively impact the mental health and well-being of young men during this challenging phase.
To research this topic with my supervisor, Dr Mike Jestico, I conducted interviews with five young men aged 18 to 25 who identified as passionate football fans. What I found was compelling: football offers mental health benefits in four key areas—escape, connection, stability, and belonging.
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Julian Kynaston is the Chair of GenM, the menopause partner for brands.
GenM, founded by Heather Jackson and Sam Siminster, empowers its Collective to better serve the unmet needs of the 1 billion global menopausal audience, too often overlooked and underserved.
A self-proclaimed feminist, Julian aims to debunk myths and open up crucial conversations about menopause, educating the wider audience on how menopause affects the majority of us, either directly or indirectly. He emphasises the need for increasing awareness among the countless women still in the dark about Perimenopause, many of whom are frightened by their experiences.
Not someone who you would look at and think 'menopause', Julian speaks with expertise and passion on the unequivocal link between menopause and mental health and how both women and men need to understand it to support themselves and others.
"Menopause is a woman's problem, so why should men care? I think that's a load of nonsense. Understanding is universal."
Find Julian here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-kynaston/
Find Gen-M here: https://gen-m.com/
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In this candid and insightful session, in association with Reward Finance Group, Steven, who played for England and Premier League clubs Liverpool, Southampton and Spurs delves into his personal journey with mental health, offering an unparalleled perspective on the challenges footballers face on and off the pitch.
With a career that has seen the highs of Premier League success and international duty, alongside the lows of personal struggles with depression and addiction, Caulker's story is a testament to resilience and the importance of mental health support in the beautiful game.
Steven also offers his thoughts on Scotland and England's performances so far in the Euros.
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Guest: Hans Cook, Business Support Administrator at Berks and Bucks FA. Responsible for supporting the CEO and staff with administrative tasks across areas including Finance, Process Management, HR, Office Management and Communications. Mental Health Ambassador for Berks & Bucks FA.
In this episode, Hans shares his transformative journey from the field of chemistry to the football pitch, highlighting how his personal struggles with mental health shaped his career and advocacy.
Hans discusses:
Personal Journey: From earning a master's degree in chemistry and working in drug discovery to experiencing burnout and shifting his focus to mental health advocacy.Football as a Support System: How football has provided a sense of community and support throughout his life, helping him navigate challenging times.Mental Health in Football: The role grassroots football plays in supporting mental health, the impact of community and belonging, and the importance of creating safe and welcoming environments in sports.Challenges and Barriers: Addressing the stigmas and pressures in football regarding mental health and how to build more open and supportive conversations.Balancing Passions and Well-being: Hans' insights on managing multiple passions, avoiding burnout, and the importance of rest and recovery.Key Takeaways:
The power of vulnerability and sharing personal stories in fostering community and support.The significant role of grassroots football in promoting mental health and well-being.Practical advice on balancing passions, maintaining mental health, and the importance of consistent self-care.Connect with Hans:
LinkedIn
Hans' Cap'N'Chino
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In this episode of the Football Mental Health Alliance Podcast, we have the honour of speaking with Alice Hendy MBE, the inspiring founder and CEO of Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity. Alice's journey is one of resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Alice's story began in November 2020 when she tragically lost her brother, Josh, to suicide. In the aftermath of this devastating loss, Alice discovered that Josh had been searching online for information on how to end his life. This heartbreaking realisation fueled Alice's passion to create change and ensure that others in crisis would have access to messages of hope and support.
Driven by her personal experience and a deep desire to prevent similar tragedies, Alice founded Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity in early 2021. The charity's main service is a web browser extension that intercepts harmful online searches related to suicide and self-harm, providing users with messages of hope and signposting to appropriate support services.
In just three years, Ripple has grown rapidly, with its tool being deployed by organizations across the UK, used in 49 countries, and available in 14 languages. Alice's tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List for her work with the charity.
Despite the challenges of balancing her full-time job as a Cyber Security Manager with running the charity, Alice remains dedicated to her mission. She has been recognised as one of the UK's top 100 most influential IT leaders and has been nominated for the 'Technological Innovation Award' for her work with Ripple.
In addition to her work with Ripple, Alice is a TEDx speaker, a One Young World Ambassador, and a motivational speaker. She is passionate about using her platform to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention, particularly in the context of football.
Join us as we delve into Alice's story and learn more about her work with Ripple Suicide Prevention Charity, her thoughts on mental health, and her vision for a safer online environment for all.
Click here to go to R;ipple: https://www.ripplesuicideprevention.com/
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R;pple Suicide Prevention is an innovative digital tool designed to intercept harmful online content related to self-harm and suicide. Founded by Alice Hendy MBE, R;pple aims to provide immediate support and resources to individuals in crisis, thereby preventing potential tragedies.
Click here to learn more about R;pple.
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Over four million children in England play football, which for many is the start of a lifelong love affair with the sport. Many years down the line these children will become the volunteers that keep the game running, whilst many will continue playing well into their later years. A very small portion of them will even make it professional.
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The following tips and advice on managing ADHD have been sourced from personal experiences shared by individuals on the internet. This information should not be considered medical advice. As with all content provided by The Vault, it is essential to seek specialist or expert advice before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional to develop a strategy tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
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The first time I said these words I was 19, doing my first stint in rehab. I never really knew what they meant, and I certainly didn't know just how bad things were going to get.
What does it mean?
"People with compulsive gambling have a hard time resisting or controlling the impulse to gamble. The brain is reacting to this impulse in the same manner it reacts to a person addicted to alcohol or drugs."
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In this episode of the FMHA Podcast titled "Tough to Talk," host Danny delves into the pressing issue of male suicide with Steve Whittle from the charity Tough to Talk.
The conversation addresses why discussing mental health, particularly suicide, remains a challenge, especially among men. Steve shares his personal experiences with suicide attempts and mental health struggles, emphasising the importance of open discussions about mental health without stigma.
He also discusses the statistical realities of male suicide, noting that while women attempt suicide more frequently, men are more likely to die from their attempts. The podcast highlights the crucial role of supportive conversations and interventions in preventing suicide and encourages listeners to engage in honest and direct dialogues about their mental health challenges.
Steve's insights are grounded in his extensive work with Tough to Talk, which aims to reduce male suicide rates by creating environments where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health. The charity's approach includes educating men in male-dominated spaces about recognising signs of distress in themselves and others, and how to respond effectively.
The episode is a compelling call to action for listeners to prioritise mental health discussions within their communities, emphasising that understanding and intervention can save lives.
This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of male mental health issues and the importance of community support in addressing this silent crisis.
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In this episode of the Football Mental Health Alliance podcast, host Danny warmly welcomes Jake Mills, an award-winning comedian and the founder of the Hub of Hope, a pioneering charity dedicated to mental health support.
As they delve into Jake's transformative journey from battling personal mental health challenges to spearheading a national charity, the conversation highlights the crucial role of mental health awareness in grassroots football and beyond.
Jake shares his personal experiences with mental health struggles, which culminated in a suicide attempt that became a turning point in his life.
His recovery and subsequent public advocacy have inspired the creation of the Hub of Hope, an accessible directory of mental health services aimed at making support as easy to find as ordering a takeaway.
This episode not only sheds light on the individual struggles and triumphs associated with mental health but also underscores the importance of community support systems in sports settings, particularly football, where the collective spirit and passion can significantly amplify mental health awareness and support.
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Have you ever walked into a packed bar or a football stadium?
Y’know, where you’re enveloped by that dull buzz of inaudible noise like you’re stepping into a wall of treacle?
Well, imagine that your brain tried to process every single word from every single conversation simultaneously.
Tricky, right?
I always remember watching the scene in Bruce Almighty where he starts hearing millions of prayers all at once and thinking:
“That’s exactly how my head sounds.”
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The act of quitting is often stigmatised as a sign of failure, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Knowing when to quit - a job, a relationship, or a personal goal, is a testament to one's self-awareness, emotional intelligence and strategic foresight.
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Confidence is one of the most desired mental qualities for footballers and athletes. But, you might have noticed that feelings of confidence don't always stick around, especially in difficult moments. This blog will tell you or your child how to turn up-and-down confidence into long-lasting self-belief on the pitch.
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The phrase "The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding" serves as a powerful reminder and motivator, suggesting that personal growth, success, and meaningful achievements often lie just beyond the tasks and challenges we tend to resist or put off.
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Anxiety is a natural and common emotional response that everyone experiences at some point. It involves feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear, often triggered by specific situations perceived as threatening or stressful. However, when anxiety becomes frequent or overwhelming, it may indicate an anxiety disorder, which requires professional attention and management.
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If your physical health is about your body, then mental health is about your mind – about your internal thoughts, feelings and behaviours. As with physical health, your mental health can change regularly and you can experience good mental health – "she’s in a good place" or poor mental health – "he seems a bit down".
At the far end of the mental health range could be a diagnosable mental health condition such as an eating disorder or depression.
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