A grassroots football club in Sileby is one of several initiatives supporting mental health and suicide prevention as part of the recommendations outlined in the Leicester Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Suicide Prevention Strategy.
Sileby Juniors has become a safe and welcoming space for men facing mental health challenges, thanks to the Mental Health Friendly Clubs programme. The club offers supportive sessions backed by free training and suicide prevention resources, showing how early, local support can make a real difference.
James Walker, Club Chairperson for Sileby Juniors, said of the programme: “The Mental Health Friendly Club programme has continued our inclusive offering to the wider public, making the club a place for everyone in the community. The training we received was informative, gave us a better understanding of people’s situations and wellbeing, and how we can best support them.”
Sileby Juniors are a Leicestershire-based England Football Accredited Club, who offer playing opportunities for male, female and disabled adults and children. They offer competitive playing opportunities for 304 players across 24 affiliated football teams. On top of this a link with Sileby Town FC provides transition for youth players to progress into adult male football on both Saturdays and Sundays. In addition, the club offer recreational playing opportunities for girls, adult women and men and disabled children. The club is run by 69 volunteers and coaches.
Mental Health Friendly Clubs (MHFC) contributes to the delivery of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Suicide Prevention Strategy. Through ensuring people have access to the right support when they need it most, in a safe and friendly environment, MHFC are a welcome addition and a key asset within the community. There are currently 35 sports clubs across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland signed up to the MHFC programme. To find out how organisations can get involved and join the growing network of MHFC clubs, visit the Start a Conversation website.
The partnership suicide prevention strategy has been refreshed to coincide with this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September). Developed with the LLR Suicide Audit Prevention Group, it brings together relevant partners from within the NHS, councils, police, charities and community organisations. The strategy emphasises the point that suicide is preventable and is everyone’s business.
We’ve worked in partnership to create this strategy, based on local needs and real experiences, priorities and data. This is a tremendous step forward, but we all have a part to play. If you think someone might be struggling, don’t wait. Ask them how they’re doing.
Person:Councillor Michael Squires, cabinet member for health & wellbeing
Councillor Vi Dempster, Assistant City Mayor for Health, culture, libraries and community centre, said: "Mental Health Friendly Clubs is a great initiative which we feel can help to improve the quality of people’s lives, their mental health and physical fitness. Being physically active can have positive benefits on mental wellbeing by improving mood, reducing stress, building social connections and confidence. By working with clubs, like AFC Andrews in Aylestone. we want to encourage more people to feel comfortable when talking about their mental health."
In Leicester this initiative aligns with one of the Lord Mayor’s chosen charity, Andy's Man Club, which aims to help men to speak more openly about mental health and to feel able to support their friends through difficult times.
Leicestershire County Council’s Start a Conversation website includes advice and guidance, aimed at people who may be having suicidal thoughts, are at risk of suicide, those who are worried about someone else & people who’ve been bereaved as a result of suicide.