Oxford United are delighted to be working with MIND, the mental health charity, at tonight’s Carabao Cup quarter final against Manchester City
Using the power of football MIND aim to raise awareness of mental health, to help improve the approach to mental health in football through delivering training to clubs and to raise funds to deliver their life-changing services.
Their latest campaign ‘Have Your Mate’s Back’ asks fans to look out for their friends and check on their mental health. With 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health problem each year, we all know someone who needs support. We want people to drop their mate a line, ask if they are OK and let them know they are there for them. It can make a big difference.
As a demonstration of support for Mind's campaign, we are encouraging everyone in the football community to wear their football shirt backwards, drawing attention to the Mind logo. Why not wear your shirt backwards tonight to show your support for better mental health in football?
You can also show support and help raise vital funds by wearing a Mind pin badges, which Karl Robinson will be wearing in yellow and blue for tonight’s game.
The limited-edition badges can be brought from Mind’s online shop. Mind is a national charity with a federated network of independent, local charities.
Your local Mind – Oxfordshire Mind - are partnered with Oxford United and are running a collection at this special cup game.
Oxfordshire Mind is here to support anyone in Oxfordshire who may be experiencing mental health problems. This year, they will support over 30,000 people of all ages in the county. Some of their services include talking therapies, physical activity programmes, benefits advice, transitional housing, volunteering opportunities, and a safe place for people to go in a mental health crisis.
Oxfordshire Mind also facilitate over 60 peer-support groups each week and run informative courses (such as ‘Practical Ways to Wellbeing’).
To make a donation to Oxfordshire Mind, text 'FOOTBALL 5' to 70470 to donate £5. This costs £5 plus a std rate msg. Alternatively, you can opt to give any whole amount up to £20 (e.g. FOOTBALL 10, FOOTBALL 15).
If you or someone you know needs support, please call the Information Line on 01865 247 788.
Thank you for your support and enjoy the match!