North Riding FA and The Football Mental Health Alliance Team Up to Improve Mental Health
North Riding County FA is proud to announce that we are partnering with The Football Mental Health Alliance (FMHA) with the joint mission to improve mental health support within our clubs and leagues with North Riding.
Club and league officials will have access to The Vault, FMHA's free, pioneering mental health platform designed with comprehensive resources for grassroots football. This unique platform results from collaboration with specialist psychologists, coaches, parents, carers, licensed FIFA Agents, and ex-professional footballers to understand critical mental health challenges and craft innovative solutions.
The Vault is for anyone involved in grassroots football – players, coaches, parents/carers, spectators, volunteers and match officials.
Here at North Riding FA, the mental wellbeing of all those involved in grassroots football is a huge priority for us. We are only too aware of the significant impact the events of the last couple of years and beyond have had and continue to have on the mental health of society.
Statistics show that one in four people experience mental health difficulties each year, and at any given time, one in six working-age adults have symptoms associated with mental ill-health. Mental health conditions often develop early, with 75% of cases starting by age 18. Alarmingly, men aged 40-49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.
The Vault was conceived in response to these pressing statistics and the increased demand for digital mental health solutions across the grassroots football spectrum. This always accessible, ever-evolving platform provides support anytime for all age ranges. It allows for anonymous sign-up, ensuring confidentiality and comfort to those seeking information or assistance with their own or someone else's mental health.
"We are elated to welcome North Riding County FA. Our partnership is an acknowledgement of football's unique position to enhance mental health in our game and communities," said Danny Matharu, Founder of The Football Mental Health Alliance.
"The Vault will serve as a free, always accessible, continually growing resource, ensuring a wide-reaching, tangible impact on mental health within grassroots football across England. There is a clear and urgent need for a comprehensive, digital mental health support system that provides resources, education and guidance, especially within the grassroots community, a space which has long faced a dearth of such solutions."
Steven Wade, CEO at North Riding County FA said: "We are thrilled to join forces with FMHA. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to the well-being of our football community, as outlined in NRCFA's Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Together, we aim to impact the mental health landscape in grassroots football significantly.
The Vault presents an innovative solution to the grassroots football community, solidifying our ongoing commitment to the holistic well-being of every individual involved in the sport. We look forward to the positive change we can instigate through our collective efforts."
The Vault is ready for pre-launch registration. Further detail can be found at www.vault.thefmha.com, where you can sign up for free and be alerted when the Vault opens.
