LFC Foundation and Spirit of Shankly team up again for 'The Big Red Talk 2'
LFC Foundation has joined forces with supporters union Spirit of Shankly to launch the second instalment of 'The Big Red Talk' event in support of fans' mental health.
The live virtual event – which will take place on Wednesday April 21 – will involve various workshops to help educate fans on the importance of mental health, speaking your mind and caring for personal wellbeing.
Sessions throughout the evening will provide participants with various coping strategies and advice on how to handle difficult conversations when discussing mental health.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland will also be interviewed by The Anfield Wrap, sharing his experiences of overcoming mental health issues and offering supporters advice on how to cope, speak up and seek professional help when struggling with mental illness.
The evening’s events will also include an interactive virtual quiz – hosted by ‘The Voice of Anfield’ George Sephton – while fan favourite Jamie Webster will also be performing in collaboration with the event’s partner, BOSS Night.
Through this initiative, LFC Foundation is looking to abolish the taboo surrounding mental health and encourage men and women to speak out and seek support when struggling.
This event is part of the Reds’ official charity’s collaboration with Spirit of Shankly to deliver a new, season-long mental health project for supporters.
Matt Parish, director of LFC Foundation, said: “It’s important to be able to offer our support – albeit virtually – to fans who may be struggling with poor mental health as it’s something that we are really passionate about at the LFC Foundation.
“The promotion of positive mental health runs throughout all of our programmes and as we find ourselves currently in the midst of a global pandemic, personal wellbeing must take priority and by launching this season-wide project we hope to bring fans together to talk and help to remove the stigma associated with mental health.”
The chair of Spirit of Shankly, Joe Blott, said: “At our AGM in 2019, a motion was passed that we would increase our involvement with mental health initiatives. We agreed to work with local organisations and other supporters’ trusts to promote mental health awareness; to demonstrate that it’s OK to not be OK; and to support people to open up about their thoughts, feelings and emotions.
“Football has the power to connect with so many people on and off the pitch, it has the power to change and save the lives of people who live with mental health issues.
“We are delighted to partner this event, which is arranged to encourage SOS members and the wider supporter base to seek help from friends, family and services if they are suffering in any way.”
Fans can book a place on this free event at https://bigredtalk2.eventbrite.co.uk. This is an 18+ event.
If you or someone you know needs specialist support, please contact:
- Samaritans – 116 123
- Papyrus – teenage suicide/mental health – 0800 068 4141
- NSPCC – Childline – 0800 111
Liverpool FC also has a dedicated team of safeguarding specialists who can offer help and support. For more information, please visit www.liverpoolfc.com/fans/safeguarding.