All set up and ready to go!
On Thursday 21st November 2019, Norwich City Fans Social Club held its second Mental Health Awareness evening. This event follows on from the first Mental Health Awareness evening held in 2017 and was dedicated to bringing awareness to a range of mental health issues.
Nearly 200 people gathered in the Norfolk Lounge at Carrow Road. As they entered, they were able to meet several local mental health charities, organisations and advocates [see list of organisations that attended below] and then everybody took their seat to listen to a variety of guests talking about their own mental health challenges.
Local journalist and friend of NCFSC Michael Bailey welcomed Norwich City U23 player, Tom Scully, and former Norwich City player – and current Luton Town coach – Adrian Forbes to the stage.
Tom spoke openly and eloquently, belying his age, about struggling with his mental health after moving to Norwich and feeling alone. The positive sides of being a footballer are often highlighted, the mental pressures and other human aspects are often overlooked, and it was a fascinating insight. We’re certain his account will serve as an inspiration to younger people going through difficult times. Adrian spoke very candidly about his battles with depression following an injury that meant he had to give up playing and the effect this had on his entire life. The heart-warming element was his recovery and he had many fantastic words of comfort and advice for those in similar situations.
Michael Bailey then invited ex-MP and mental health advocate, Norman Lamb, and former Norwich City player Cedric Anselin to the stage. Norman spoke passionately about mental health issues and how hard it was for adults and children to get the treatment they needed, something we all would like to see improved. He also discussed the fund he has set up to help those in need of mental health care. Cedric spoke about his battles with depression and history, but also had some fantastic words and advice for helping and protecting yourself, whilst trying to surround yourself with positive people, activities and influences.
Alongside Tom Scully, there was a big Norwich City Football Club presence that included first team player, Sam Byram, Head of Players Care, Clive Cook and his team, Head of Communications, Daniel Houlker, and Head of the Executive Office, Lynette Hannant.
After our guests had spoken, Michael gave each of the mental health groups attending a few minutes to explain what their role was and how they help people in Norfolk with a wide range of mental health issues, it was amazing to hear from so many different groups all doing incredible work. Following a short break, it was a chance for the attendees to ask questions, and many told moving and inspirational stories of their own battles with mental health problems. It was remarkable to see so many brave people contribute, which was a testament to the openness and inclusivity of the evening.
It really was a fantastic evening and the feedback we have received has been overwhelming. We’d like to thank all those who attended, it was one of those evenings that restores your faith in humanity.
If you would like to know more about the groups that attended the evening, please see below:
Watch out for more details about us at our Website: www.ncfsc.co.uk, Twitter: @NorwichCityFSC, Instagram: @NorwichCtiyFSC or on our Facebook Page: Norwich City Fans Social Club.
Please find information regarding all of the groups who attended the event below:
The 12th Man campaign helps men talk more openly about mental health. It encourages them to be the 12th Man for their families, friends, colleagues and other people in their lives. Visit here for more:
Time Norfolk is a registered charity with the aim of supporting women, their partners who need support following a pregnancy loss or infant death, or other pregnancy related issues eg infertility, pre or post-natal depression
YMCA mission is to inspire young people to discover their potential so that they can live life in all its fullness.
OCD Action provide support and information to anybody affected by OCD, work to raise awareness of the disorder amongst the public and front-line healthcare workers, and strive to secure a better deal for people with OCD.
Cup-O-T: Wellness and Therapy Services is a not-for-profit Occupational Therapy practice providing mental health services to young people from the age of 11 years old up and adults in areas of Norfolk.
ADHD Norfolk recognises ADHD/ADD as a complex but easily treatable condition, which can have a profound effect on individuals, families, schools and society.
Get Me Out The Four Walls was created to ensure that no mother, father or carer feels alone and isolated at home after the birth of their children.
Lift Loud for Danny‘s mission is to raise awareness of mental health difficulties, especially mental health and autism as Daniel had autism which meant the support he needed had to be more specialised
Run For Me is a community running group, which has an added focus on supporting its participants’ mental health and wellbeing. The group meets twice a week for a 60-minute running session led by qualified running coaches, followed by a 30-minute social session.
Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Wellbeing is important to us all. We want to feel good about ourselves, to get the most out of our lives and feel connected to other people. ‘Wellbeing’ means feeling more than just happy and confident, it means feeling able to cope when things get tough in our lives or when our physical health suffers.
The Matthew Project has been helping people live fuller lives, free from drug and alcohol misuse for more than 30 years. The charity has a Christian ethos, and is based in Norfolk. We provide support to young people, veterans, professionals, people in recovery, and the family and carers affected by substance misuse.
Julian Support work with the strengths of people with mental health difficulties, to help them lead an independent life of their choice.
Project Nova supports veterans who have been arrested or are at risk of arrest. Operating in four areas of the UK. The East of England, North West, North East and South Yorkshire and Humberside.
