Rochdale AFC supports ‘Do One Thing’ campaign to mark World Mental Health Day

Rochdale AFC and other clubs in the EFL will once again come together with the EFL's charity partner, Mind, to collectively mark World Mental Health Day (Saturday 10 October).

With Mind’s latest research, revealing that more than 60% of adults and over two thirds of young people (68%) felt their mental health deteriorated during the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, encouraging conversations around our own mental health and that of others has never been more important.

Mind’s ‘Do One Thing’ campaign aims to inspire people to make one small change or take one action to look after their mental health. As part of the campaign, a number of Rochdale first team players surprised supporters with a phone call this week.

Jimmy Keohane, Paul McShane, Eoghan O’Connell and Ollie Rathbone spent Tuesday afternoon checking in on Dale’s senior Season Card holders. It has been seven months since fans were last able to attend a fixture at the Crown Oil Arena and the players were keen to chat to fans aged 65 and over, to pass on their well wishes and to help raise spirits during these unprecedented times.

Paul McShane said: “We rang supporters to see how they are keeping and to tell them that we are missing them. It’s pretty strange to play in an empty stadium and I know that the fans are definitely missing coming to games, so it was good to catch up with them.

“It’s good to talk and if we can help people feel a bit better about their day or their week, then that’s all good.”

Keohane added: “It was great to hear from the fans. They are the life and soul of the football club and it was great to hear how they are getting on. We can’t wait to have them all back at the Crown Oil Arena.”
 

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Supporters can get involved in the campaign by sharing their ‘one thing’ of advice or activities across social media and using the hashtag #DoOneThing.

This is the latest activity by the EFL and Mind, who are currently in year three of their charity partnership which aims to raise awareness of mental health amongst fans and the wider public, help raise funds for Mind to deliver life changing services and improve the approach to mental health in the EFL and clubs.

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, added: “World Mental Health Day 2020 is arguably the most important one yet, so we’re delighted to join with our charity partner the EFL and its clubs for it again.

“The effects of the coronavirus have undoubtedly changed the lives and routines of many fans. Whether that’s seeing familiar faces on the terraces on match day or celebrating/commiserating the result with them after, many fans will feel that the current climate has left them less able to do the things that support their mental health.

“Whether it's going for a walk, learning a new skill or doing something creative, taking the first steps to getting support for yourself, or reaching out to someone else; Mind and the EFL are encouraging fans to ‘Do One Thing’ for better mental health this World Mental Health Day.”

For more information on how to get involved with ‘Do One Thing’ on World Mental Health Day see mind.org.uk/wmhd

If you need support from Mind visit Mind.org.uk for information and advice. You can also talk to Mind via the confidential Infoline on 0300 123 3393 or text 86463.