Newcastle United and City Council launch initiative to tackle mental health issues | OneFootball

Unveiled to mark Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May), 11 specially commissioned public benches have been positioned in communities and parks across Newcastle. Each bench features the iconic black-and-white stripes alongside a series of thought-provoking questions which aim to spark conversation - about football, life, and how they’re really feeling.

The questions are designed to bridge the gap between casual football ‘terrace talk’ and deeper discussions about wellbeing. These aim to break silence surrounding mental health, in a region where suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50.

QR codes positioned on the benches also direct users to a network of support. This includes vital 24/7 helplines such as Samaritans, as well as Newcastle United Foundation’s award-winning Be A Game Changer initiative; currently providing over 20,000 hours of mental health and wellbeing support through programmes across the region.

“Football, particularly in this city, has a unique power to spark conversation and bring people together”, says Newcastle United player and Foundation ambassador, Dan Burn.

“These benches are a brilliant way to encourage people to take a minute, sit down, and have those important conversations. If we can use the connection we share through football to help someone open up or reach out for support, then it’s a massive win for the whole community."

Pam Smith, Chief Executive at Newcastle City Council, said: “We are delighted to team up with Newcastle United to support Geordie football fans to take care of their mental health and each other. Nobody should have to face life’s challenges on their own and we know how powerful football is to a united Newcastle.

“The benches are conversation starters and ideally complement our Wellbeing Hubs Network across the city, reinforcing the powerful impact of connecting with others to keep us well and preventing isolation or crisis. We would urge anyone who feels they are struggling to reach out to one of the many support streams available.”

Additional information and resources surrounding the One of Our Own campaign can be found - here.