COLCHESTER United fans are being encouraged to talk about mental health ahead of Time to Talk Day on Saturday.
U's supporters heading to the game against Forest Green Rovers are being urged by Mid and North East Essex Mind to start a conversation about their mental wellbeing.
It is part of a nationwide campaign to get everyone talking about their mental health.
Colchester United takes mental wellbeing seriously and is proud to support Mid and North East Essex Mind.
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The team will be supporting the charity’s efforts to encourage football fans to start a conversation with someone you are worried about.
Fans can hear from U's club captain Connor Hall and ladies team player Jamie-Louise Newstead, who will discuss why it’s important to seek help.
The U's team will also be sporting Mid and North East Essex Mind branded t-shirts in their pre-match warm up, ahead of the Forest Green game.
Colchester United Partnerships & Hospitality Sales Manager Ben Conway said: “It is paramount that organisations, especially those that serve the local community, keep Mental Health Awareness on the agenda.
“Partnering up with Mid and North East Essex Mind, our local mental health charity, for Time to Talk day at our home fixture against Forest Green Rovers demonstrates the club’s commitment to doing so and raising further awareness for mental health within the city of Colchester.”
A pop-up crisis café will be open for three hours before the U's match for supporters to have a confidential chat with advisers.
There will also be a ‘chatty bus’ provided by Hedingham and Chambers onsite to welcome football fans through its doors to provide a space for people to have a welcome chat.
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Mid and North East Essex Mind CEO Ginny Idehen said: “Colchester United provides a vital role in our community.
“We are delighted to be working with the football club to raise awareness of our services in the area and encourage more people to reach out and ask for help.
“With one in four people in any one year experiencing some mental health issue, it is important for the club’s supporters to know we are here to support them.”
Also supporting the event is Workhorse Group, MD, Simon Dickerson.
He said: “Workhorse Group are delighted to continue to support Mid and North East Essex Mind and Time to Talk Day by to donating our Sponsor’s Box and match day advertising assets for Saturday’s game to Mid and North East Essex Mind."
For more information about the organisations involved please visit mnessexmind.org, cu-fc.com and workhorsegeneration.org.
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