(Image: Supplied)
North East mental health campaigners are using football to urge supporters to seek help before problems reach crisis point.
The Poolies Matter campaign will take centre stage at Hartlepool United’s home game against Tamworth on Saturday, October 3, reminding fans that help is available before problems become overwhelming.
Led by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust, Hartlepool United and its charitable foundation United for the Community, the campaign will reach fans through personal stories, self-help resources and information about support organisations.
Poolies Matter campaign uses Hartlepool United’s October 3 match to promote early mental health support, with TEWV NHS Trust sharing help and resources (Image: Supplied)
Jamie Todd, care group director of operations and transformation at TEWV, said: "Getting support early can stop problems building up and help people feel more able to cope.
"We work with a lot of organisations in Hartlepool that all want the same thing: to make sure people get the right support for them, in their community, when they need it.
"I know the power of football in bringing people together and we want to use that opportunity to remind and encourage people to seek help if they are struggling."
A campaign video featuring familiar football faces and a TEWV NHS nurse will be shared on social media before the 3pm kick-off.
Lifelong Pools fan Stephen is backing the campaign after receiving NHS talking therapy for depression.
After several family bereavements and early retirement because of ill health, Stephen struggled to find joy in life until his wife encouraged him to seek help through his GP. He was then supported by a TEWV team.
Stephen said: "At the first session I was really upset and it all just came out, but it slowly got better.
"I could talk about things I couldn’t always say to my family because I didn’t want to upset them.
"I’d encourage anybody who feels that bad to get help.
"Whether you’ve lost loved ones, work has gone wrong or there is just too much getting on top of you, getting support before it gets too bad can make all the difference."
Find more information about the campaign and available support at www.tewv.nhs.uk/poolies-matter.