Break the Stigma. Talk about your Mental Health.

Here at Bolton Wanderers in the Community we know the importance of promoting healthy and open conversations about our Mental Health. That’s why the majority of the work we do aims to positively impact the mental wellbeing of our local community, whether that be directly or indirectly. A large majority of our provisions result in participants having improved self-esteem and confidence having taken part in positive activity either physically or mentally.  

This World Mental Health Day Bolton Wanderers in the Community are leading with the message ‘Break the Stigma. Talk about your Mental Health.’ Aiming to raise awareness of the importance of starting conversations around our Mental Health. On Saturday 5th October our team attended 4 key areas of the stadium to raise awareness of mental health statistics. Located across the Fan Zone, Main Reception, Club Shop and Hotel a range of statistics not only sparked a conversation between passing fans but also interaction between fans and our staff. To see the video head to Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.  

Today we launch our World Mental Health Day Video showcasing statistic from both our local community and the UK. We hope our video enables you to visually see how Mental Health affects more of us than we see and how sparking a conversation with friends, family, peers and colleagues helps to break the stigma of mental health. We strongly encourage anyone struggling to reach out to support services such as Samaritans or Shout and to talk to someone about their troubles. To see our World Mental Health Day video head across to our Bolton Wanderers in the Community Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn channels. 

What is World Mental Health Day? 

10th October marks World Mental Day, an annual campaign encouraging us all to check in with our friends, family, peers and colleagues. The Mental Health Foundation provide important tips and information about how to start those important conversations: 

1.Find a good space to talk without distractions

If you’re worried about someone, try to find a place where you know you can have a conversation without being distracted. Make sure to give them your full attention. It might help to switch off your phone.  

2. Listen and ask questions

Listening can be one of the most valuable ways to be there for someone. Show them that you’re actively listening by facing them, making eye contact, and not interrupting. Questions can help you clarify what they mean and also show that you’re actively listening. But make sure the questions are relevant to what they’re saying, and not changing the subject.    

3. Ask how you can help

Ask how you can help or make suggestions, rather than telling them what to do next. They might want support with making a GP appointment, help around the house, or just for you to keep things normal and chat about what’s going on in your life. 

For more information about World Mental Health Day 2024 head to the Mental Health Foundation.  

Please remember to reach out if you are struggling: 

Bolton Talking Therapies: Self refer at www.iaptportal.co.uk/bolt.html or call the Single Point of Access (SPOA) line Monday to Friday 9am-5pm on 01204 483 101 

Samaritans: Call the 24 hour helpline at 116 123 

Shout: A free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. Text Shout to 85258  

Team Talk: An informal social group in which you can meet for free refreshments, games or just a simple chat! Sessions take place here at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in the Wellbeing Hub, supported by Vital Energi. Join us Mondays at 6:30pm-8:00pm. Contact jlawton@bwitc.org.uk for more information.