Graham Potter has given his support to the FA’s ‘Heads Up’ campaign which is raising awareness of looking after our mental health.
Kick-off at tomorrow’s Emirates FA Cup third round tie on the south coast will be delayed by one minute to 3.01pm to encourage supporters to ‘Take A Minute’ to think about looking after their mental health, with 60 seconds representing just the first step in the journey to improved well-being.
“It is very important that football recognises this issue,” said Albion’s head coach, who says he is aware of the need to look after his own mental health.
“Modern society puts a strain on us all, and in football the more we are aware of the challenges that people face then the more we can help.
“Personally, I have gone through times when I have had to be aware of my own mental health. You are under pressure and sometimes you can feel that you’re not doing enough or that you’re not good enough.
“It’s normal, and it affects people no matter what status you are or what salary you earn, and I think it’s important that we try and understand it as best we can and help each other.”
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During the minute's delay tomorrow afternoon, fans will be encouraged to consider the positive impact 60 seconds can have on their own well-being or in supporting a friend or family member.
'Heads Up' is partnering with Public Health England’s 'Every Mind Matters' across the Emirates FA Cup third round to draw attention to the simple steps we can all take to look after our mental health and well-being with all 32 fixtures this weekend kicking off one minute later.
The partnership will signpost to the free, online Every Mind Matters resource and ‘Your Mind Plan’ tool, which fans can use to create a personal mental health action plan, providing them with a tailored set of simple self-care actions.
Spearheaded by HRH The Duke of Cambridge, the Heads Up campaign harnesses the influence and popularity of football to encourage more people – particularly men – to feel comfortable talking about, and taking action to improve, their mental health and to recognise that mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness.
For more information on the Heads Up campaign, please click here.